Incident Overview
A helicopter was observed by witnesses flying from north to south when it collided with a radio tower standing 253 feet above ground level. The impact occurred at approximately the 235-foot level of the tower. The collision caused partial separation of the main rotor blades, after which the helicopter descended uncontrolled and struck the ground.
Tower Markings and Pilot Experience
The radio tower was depicted on aviation charts and was equipped with an operational strobe light, making it visually identifiable. The pilot of the helicopter had many years of operational experience in the area, suggesting familiarity with the local airspace.
Pilot Medical Findings
A postmortem examination of the pilot revealed that he suffered from moderate chronic pulmonary emphysema and had a carbon monoxide level in his blood of about 26%. The pilot was reported to smoke approximately one pack of cigarettes daily. In contrast, the three passengers on board did not have carbon monoxide detected in their blood. The source of the elevated carbon monoxide level in the pilot could not be determined.
Investigation Limitations
The investigation did not establish a definitive cause for the collision or the pilot's carbon monoxide level. No other factors, such as weather conditions, air traffic control involvement, or mechanical failure, were mentioned in the source.