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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Crash into Water After Loss of Visual Reference During Night Descent (N37AN)

St. Marks, FL, US

On December 21, 1990, a Bell 206 B3 (registration N37AN) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Marks, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost outside visual reference while descending over the coastline at night and allowed the helicopter to descend and crash into the water; the pilot had not received a full weather briefing prior to departure. 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 helicopter crashed into water after the pilot lost outside visual reference while descending at night over a coastline to avoid low overcast; no mechanical failures were found.

Accident Details

A cross-country flight ended in an accident when the helicopter crashed into water. The pilot had not received a full weather briefing before departure. Upon arrival at the destination, the flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), as had been forecast.

Sequence of Events

While descending in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) at night over the coastline, the pilot attempted to get below a low overcast layer of clouds. During this maneuver, the pilot lost outside visual reference and allowed the helicopter to descend, resulting in a crash into the water.

Post-Accident Findings

Investigators noted no mechanical failures of the helicopter or its engine after the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot lost outside visual reference while descending over the coastline at night and allowed the helicopter to descend and crash into the water; the pilot had not received a full weather briefing prior to departure.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 1990 Bell 206 B3 accident near St. Marks, FL?

A helicopter crashed into water after the pilot lost outside visual reference while descending at night over a coastline to avoid low overcast; no mechanical failures were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 1990 involved a Bell 206 B3, registration N37AN, at St. Marks, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost outside visual reference while descending over the coastline at night and allowed the helicopter to descend and crash into the water; the pilot had not received a full weather briefing prior to departure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24782. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.