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May 24, 2023 · Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · N791AM

San Diego, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Eurocopter AS 350 B3 (2007)
Tail Number
N791AM
Operator
Us Department of Homeland Security
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA200

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he had completed an operational mission, during which he was wearing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), and returned to the airport. While hover taxiing to parking using the NVGs, an aircraft approaching the airport to land triggered the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), causing the helicopter’s strobing “wig-wag” lights to activate and impact the pilot’s visibility. The pilot looked down to locate the light switch and removed his hand from the collective to deactivate the lights. The helicopter descended and contacted the ground before the pilot could stop the descent. The helicopter subsequently became airborne again and the pilot was able to regain control and continue hover taxiing to parking. Substantial damage to the tail boom was discovered after the flight. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he had completed an operational mission, during which he was wearing Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), and returned to the airport. While hover taxiing to parking using the NVGs, an aircraft approaching the airport to land triggered the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), causing the helicopter’s strobing “wig-wag” lights to activate and impact the pilot’s visibility. The pilot looked down to locate the light switch and removed his hand from the collective to deactivate the lights. The helicopter descended and contacted the ground before the pilot could stop the descent. The helicopter subsequently became airborne again and the pilot was able to regain control and continue hover taxiing to parking. Substantial damage to the tail boom was discovered after the flight. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:10 PDT
Nearest AirportBrown Fld Muni (0.2nm WSW)
Runway26R
Runway Length7972 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEurocopter AS 350 B3
Tail NumberN791AM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUs Department of Homeland Security
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · ARRIEL 2B1 · Turboshaft · 747
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 42 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 54 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data