On May 23, 1986, a Bell 206B (registration N2776V) was involved in an aviation accident near Noman's Land, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions despite receiving an inflight briefing that VFR flight was not recommended, which resulted in the aircraft being lost over the ocean. 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 Bell 206 helicopter disappeared during a flight to Nantucket Island on June 20, 1986. The aircraft was recovered in deep open sea after the pilot continued despite a VFR flight not recommended briefing.
What happened
The Bell 206 helicopter was en route to Nantucket Island when the pilot received an inflight weather briefing indicating that VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot acknowledged this report and appears to have elected to continue the flight. The aircraft did not reach its final destination. The helicopter was recovered on June 20, 1986, approximately 40 nautical miles from its intended destination in 147 feet of deep open sea.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this incident was the decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions despite receiving a specific advisory against VFR operations. The aircraft ended up significantly off course, requiring recovery from open water rather than arriving at the planned airport.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions despite receiving an inflight briefing that VFR flight was not recommended, which resulted in the aircraft being lost over the ocean.
What happened in the 23 May 1986 Bell 206B accident near Noman's Land, MA?
A Bell 206 helicopter disappeared during a flight to Nantucket Island on June 20, 1986. The aircraft was recovered in deep open sea after the pilot continued despite a VFR flight not recommended briefing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 May 1986 involved a Bell 206B, registration N2776V, at Noman's Land, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions despite receiving an inflight briefing that VFR flight was not recommended, which resulted in the aircraft being lost over the ocean.
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