Helicopter Accident After Unauthorized Start (N1169W)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-23 involved a Bell 47 SOLOY, registration N1169W, operated by Exploration Helicopters, at Intracoastal, LA.

On August 23, 1996, a Bell 47 SOLOY (registration N1169W) operated by Exploration Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Intracoastal, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of aircraft control by unknown person(s). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An unknown individual started a helicopter at night, lifted off, and immediately lost control. The tail boom was severed and the main rotor separated. No witnesses or sounds were reported.

Introduction

An accident involving a helicopter occurred during an unauthorized operation. According to local law enforcement, an individual unknown to authorities started the helicopter, lifted off the ground, and immediately lost control.

Circumstances

The operator stated that the helicopter was last operated on the previous afternoon and was secured at 1800. The helicopter was reported missing at 0530 the following day. No local residents reported hearing the helicopter or any impact sounds during the night. No eyewitnesses to the accident have come forward.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the tail boom had been severed from the main fuselage. Additionally, the main rotor system became separated from the helicopter during the accident sequence.

Investigation

Law enforcement personnel reported that no suspects have been arrested or charged in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized start and subsequent loss of control.

1996-08-23: Bell 47 SOLOY (N1169W) — Exploration Helicopters — Intracoastal, LA