On August 18, 1994, a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 (registration N435FH) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Horn, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE UNCORRECTED DESCENT BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter departed El Paso, Texas, for the Dallas area. A witness reported a sudden right turn and 30-40 degree descent. Post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter; no mechanical anomalies were found. The pilot lacked a helicopter certificate and was endorsed for local solo flight only.
Flight and Witness Observation
A helicopter departed El Paso, Texas, en route to the Dallas, Texas, area. A witness observed the aircraft traveling southeast before it made a sudden turn to the right and initiated a 30 to 40 degree downward flight path.
Post-Impact Fire and Examination
The helicopter was destroyed by a post-impact fire. Examination of the helicopter and its engine revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Pilot Qualifications
Investigation determined that the pilot was not certificated to operate helicopters. He had been endorsed by a certificated flight instructor for local solo flight only. The flight instructor reported providing the pilot with 10 to 15 hours of flight training.