On September 22, 1997, a Sikorsky S-76A (registration N517AL) was involved in an aviation accident near Patterson, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the copilot to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff, which led to an inadvertent descent and collision with a crop of sugar cane and the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night takeoff climb in fog, a helicopter descended due to the copilot's actions while the pilot-in-command adjusted lights. The helicopter struck a sugar cane crop before briefly becoming airborne and coming to rest on its side.
Incident Summary
A helicopter experienced a loss of altitude during the initial takeoff climb at night in fog. The copilot, serving as the pilot flying, allowed the helicopter to enter a descent. At that time, the pilot-in-command (PIC) was adjusting the instrument lights at the copilot's request and did not notice the descent until the helicopter was approximately 100 feet above the ground.
Descent and Crop Contact
The PIC attempted to arrest the descent but was unable to prevent the helicopter from settling into a sugar cane crop. The helicopter 'plowed a path' through the crop before becoming briefly airborne again.
Final Position
After contacting the ground, the helicopter came to a stop while resting on its right side.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Sept 1997 Sikorsky S-76A accident near Patterson, LA?
During a night takeoff climb in fog, a helicopter descended due to the copilot's actions while the pilot-in-command adjusted lights. The helicopter struck a sugar cane crop before briefly becoming airborne and coming to rest on its side.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1997 involved a Sikorsky S-76A, registration N517AL, at Patterson, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the copilot to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff, which led to an inadvertent descent and collision with a crop of sugar cane and the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, fog, and the pilot-in-command's inadequate monitoring of the copilot, when he diverted his attention…
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…