Accident Overview
A mid-air collision occurred between an Army UH-1V helicopter and a Piper PA-28 aircraft, registration N7053R, at an altitude of 700 feet above ground level (AGL). Both aircraft were in level flight at the time of the collision.
Aircraft Operations
The UH-1V was operating on a medical evacuation flight carrying a crew of four, one patient, and two attendants. The Piper PA-28 was being flown by a single pilot.
Sequence of Events
According to the Army pilots, when the Piper was first sighted, it was located 45 degrees to the right of the helicopter's nose. The helicopter pilot initiated a diving left turn but was unable to avoid the collision. The co-pilot reported that the Piper executed an extremely steep right turn just before impact.
Aircraft Damage and Injuries
The collision resulted in the Piper's right wing being cut off by the helicopter's rotor blades, causing the Piper to crash out of control. The UH-1V executed a successful autorotation, sustaining substantial damage but no injuries to its occupants. The pilot of the Piper received fatal injuries.
Post-Accident Observations
Both aircraft had the forward half of their rotating beacons covered: the UH-1V with tape and the Piper with black paint.