On March 17, 1986, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N3067G) was involved in an aviation accident near Overton, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference in dark conditions after consuming alcohol, which led to the helicopter striking power lines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot with an expired student certificate conducted a local test flight in darkness after drinking, striking power lines and crashing.
What happened
The noncertificated pilot reported that he had previously repaired the helicopter before proceeding to conduct a local test flight. He stated that he took off in dark conditions after consuming several beers. Shortly after takeoff, while at low altitude near the airport, the pilot chose to turn off the landing light. The helicopter subsequently struck power lines and descended to impact the ground.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the pilot held a student pilot certificate which had expired at the time of the accident. No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source narrative.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to fly in darkness without adequate lighting and his consumption of alcohol prior to flight. The pilot was operating with an expired certificate.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference in dark conditions after consuming alcohol, which led to the helicopter striking power lines.