Incident Overview
On an evening passenger transport operation, a helicopter departed Charlotte Motor Speedway with four passengers en route to Monroe Airport. The pilot informed a co-worker prior to departure that weather conditions were VFR with 3 miles visibility. The co-worker reported that the pilot last communicated at approximately 0025, stating he was proceeding east along Highway 74.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses in the immediate area observed the helicopter flying at low altitude in fog with its lights on. The Monroe Airport ASOS recorded weather conditions of 300 feet overcast ceiling and 1.75 miles visibility in mist.
Collision Sequence
At approximately 0032, the helicopter's skids contacted a high-tension static ground wire positioned about 150 feet above ground level. The operator reported that the pilot was conducting the final trip of the day, transporting passengers from the speedway to various Charlotte-area destinations.
Weather Conditions
According to the pilot's pre-departure report, visibility was 3 miles. However, the ASOS at the destination airport indicated deteriorating conditions with mist and reduced visibility at the time of the incident.
The helicopter was operating under visual flight rules at the time of the departure.