What happened
On November 3, 2012, at approximately 22:45 EDT, a Hughes OH-6A helicopter, registration N368PD, crashed in Atlanta, Georgia, while participating in a search for a missing child. The flight, operated by the Atlanta Police Department, originated from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The mission was being conducted under night, visual meteorological conditions with a visibility of 10 statute miles.
Radar data indicated the aircraft was traveling southbound across Interstate 20 at approximately 1,300 feet MSL before performing a 270-degree left turn toward a westerly heading. During this maneuver, the aircraft's altitude decreased to approximately 1,200 feet MSL, roughly 200 feet above ground level.
Multiple witnesses observed the helicopter flying at a very low altitude with its searchlight active. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft strike wires at the top of a 42-foot power pole, causing a transformer to explode. Following the impact, the helicopter flipped into the street and was consumed by a post-crash fire. The flight crew, consisting of the pilot and a tactical flight officer, sustained 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the helicopter's landing gear skids had collided with wires atop a power pole. The impact caused the tail boom to separate from the fuselage. While the cockpit and cabin were destroyed by fire, the engine and main rotor hub remained largely intact.
An examination of the Rolls-Royce T63-A720 engine revealed rotational scoring on internal components, which indicated the engine was producing power at the time of impact. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were found that would have prevented normal operation. Additionally, the fuel control unit and power turbine governor were found to be functioning normally.
Findings
- The aircraft collided with wires at the top of a 42-foot power pole.
- The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude during maneuvering flight.
- The collision resulted in the pilot's failure to see and avoid the power pole and wires.