On December 3, 1993, a Bell 412 (registration N356EH) was involved in an aviation accident near Cameron, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during the approach in adverse weather conditions (ground fog and haze), which resulted in an impact with the ground short of the helipad. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter impacted the ground 300 yards short of a helipad during an approach in low visibility conditions, resulting in a post-crash fire. The copilot lost visual reference to landing lights due to ground fog and haze.
What happened
During an approach to a helipad, the helicopter impacted the ground in a level attitude approximately 300 yards short of its intended touchdown point. Following the ground impact, the helicopter was consumed by fire. The copilot was flying the approach at the time of the accident. Due to ground fog and haze, he was unable to maintain visual contact with lights at the landing site.
Findings
The ground fog and haze significantly reduced visibility, preventing the pilot from maintaining visual reference to the helipad lights. This loss of visual contact contributed to the helicopter impacting the ground short of the intended landing area.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during the approach in adverse weather conditions (ground fog and haze), which resulted in an impact with the ground short of the helipad.