On February 24, 1982, a Bell 206B (registration N2272D) operated by Doolittle Enterprises Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Watrous, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's impairment due to alcohol, which affected his ability to safely operate the helicopter during night takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter struck power and communication lines shortly after taking off at night, crashing into a railroad grade and bridge about one mile from the departure point.
What happened
The helicopter departed at night and struck power and communication lines shortly after takeoff. Following the impact with the overhead infrastructure, the aircraft crashed into a railroad grade and bridge. The crash site was located approximately one mile from the departure point.
The investigation
An inspection of the engine revealed no preimpact malfunction. Investigators noted that the circuit breakers for the fuel boost pump and the master caution systems were open. A toxicological check of the pilot's blood revealed 266 mg percent of ethyl alcohol.
Findings
The primary causal factor was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which likely contributed to the loss of control during night operations.
Probable cause
The pilot's impairment due to alcohol, which affected his ability to safely operate the helicopter during night takeoff.
What happened in the 24 Feb 1982 Bell 206B accident near Watrous, NM?
A helicopter struck power and communication lines shortly after taking off at night, crashing into a railroad grade and bridge about one mile from the departure point.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Feb 1982 involved a Bell 206B, registration N2272D, operated by Doolittle Enterprises Inc., at Watrous, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's impairment due to alcohol, which affected his ability to safely operate the helicopter during night takeoff.
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