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September 9, 2023 · Eurocopter France AS350B2 · N350WW

Silverton, WA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Silverton, WA
Aircraft
Eurocopter France AS350B2 (1989)
Tail Number
N350WW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA339

The pilot reported that he was landing the helicopter on the shoreline of a lake, during low light, dusk conditions. During the approach to the shoreline, he began maneuvering to slow the helicopter down and descend over the open water and that his attention was fully outside of the helicopter, when he saw a light from the intended landing zone get brighter, and the area around the helicopter suddenly got darker. The helicopter subsequently struck the surface of the lake, rolled inverted, and sank in about 80 ft. of water. The pilot and the passengers exited the helicopter and were rescued by a good Samaritan before it sank. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor drive system and tail boom assembly. The pilot reported that there are no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain visual reference and altitude while maneuvering over a lake during dusk conditions, which resulted in the helicopter impacting water.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was landing the helicopter on the shoreline of a lake, during low light, dusk conditions. During the approach to the shoreline, he began maneuvering to slow the helicopter down and descend over the open water and that his attention was fully outside of the helicopter, when he saw a light from the intended landing zone get brighter, and the area around the helicopter suddenly got darker. The helicopter subsequently struck the surface of the lake, rolled inverted, and sank in about 80 ft. of water. The pilot and the passengers exited the helicopter and were rescued by a good Samaritan before it sank. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor drive system and tail boom assembly. The pilot reported that there are no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:28 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEurocopter France AS350B2
Tail NumberN350WW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsHoneywell · LTS101-700D-2 · Turboshaft · 742
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind50° @ 2 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 55 F
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data