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Casualties unknown

Sikorsky S-76A Encounter with Reduced Visibility and Subsequent Collision with Trees (N767SA)

Washington, PA, US

On February 22, 1989, a Sikorsky S-76A (registration N767SA) operated by E.i. DU Pont DE Nemours & Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) WHICH RESULTED IN HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S FLIGHT INTO KNOWN WEATHER, THE ADVERSE WEATHER, AND TREES AT THE ACCIDENT SIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Sikorsky S-76A, en route between two uncontrolled heliports below a cloud layer, inadvertently encountered reduced visibility. The pilot attempted to maneuver clear, but the helicopter experienced a right rotation and settling with power, struck trees, and sustained substantial damage.

Accident Narrative

A Sikorsky S-76A was conducting a flight between two uncontrolled heliports, operating below a cloud layer. During the flight, the helicopter inadvertently encountered reduced visibility. The pilot in command (PIC) attempted to maneuver the aircraft clear of the area.

Subsequently, the helicopter rotated to the right and experienced settling with power. The pilot lowered the collective and attempted to fly out of the condition. However, the main rotor blades contacted trees, and the helicopter settled to the ground on its left side, resulting in substantial damage.

Weather Remarks

The PIC had described the weather to the second in command (SIC) as "good enough to take a look, but not bad enough to cancel." No further weather details were provided.

Damage

The helicopter received substantial damage. No other details about the extent of damage were specified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Feb 1989 Sikorsky S-76A accident near Washington, PA?

A Sikorsky S-76A, en route between two uncontrolled heliports below a cloud layer, inadvertently encountered reduced visibility. The pilot attempted to maneuver clear, but the helicopter experienced a right rotation and settling with power, struck trees, and sustained substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Feb 1989 involved a Sikorsky S-76A, registration N767SA, operated by E.i. DU Pont DE Nemours & Co., at Washington, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) WHICH RESULTED IN HIS LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S FLIGHT INTO KNOWN WEATHER, THE ADVERSE WEATHER, AND TREES AT THE ACCIDENT SIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27791. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.