Night Cargo Helicopter Accident: Coastal Bay Strike (N3202A)

Flight and Weather Context A certified commercial helicopter pilot and a crew member were operating a night cargo flight under CFR Part 135 when they received company instructions to divert from the intended route to another destination. The area included low ceilings and reduced visibility caused by rain. The pilot had obtained a weather briefing that included marginal VFR conditions due to rain and fog, thunderstorms, and several AIRMETs and SIGMETs. ## Accident Sequence The pilot attempted to cross a coastal bay westward in an area with limited visual cues and then decided to reverse course. The pilot continued south and again attempted to cross the bay near a bridge spanning the water. A witness observed the helicopter descending below the level of the bridge, where visibility was about one-quarter mile in rain. The helicopter struck the water about one-half mile from the shore and about 400 yards south of the bridge, and was destroyed.