On May 20, 1991, a Schweizer 269C (registration N7507J) operated by Dooley Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Hill, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION TO A POISONOUS SNAKE IN THE COCKPIT AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot lost control of a helicopter while trying to avoid a copperhead snake that emerged from a heat vent. The helicopter struck trees and terrain and was destroyed.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was conducting an aerial observation flight when he turned on the cockpit heat. Shortly after, a copperhead snake emerged from the heat vent near his feet. As the pilot maneuvered the helicopter towards a landing area, the snake appeared poised to strike. In an attempt to step on the snake with his foot, the pilot lost control of the helicopter. The aircraft subsequently contacted trees and terrain and was destroyed.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the snake was not found. Toxicological testing of the pilot for drugs, alcohol, and snake venom returned negative results.
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