History of Flight
On March 26, 2016, about 0018 central daylight time, a Eurocopter AS350 B2, N911GF, impacted trees and terrain near Enterprise, Alabama. The helicopter was operating as a Part 135 helicopter air ambulance flight. It departed from a farm field near Goodman, Alabama, about 0017, and was destined for Baptist Medical Center Heliport (AL11), Montgomery, Alabama. The flight lasted about one minute. Radar data showed the helicopter climbed to 1,100 ft, then began a rapid descent. After the pilot failed to make a required 15-minute check-in, the operator alerted authorities, and wreckage was located about 0700 in a swampy, wooded area.
Personnel Information
The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with helicopter rating and type ratings for Agusta Westland AB-139 and AW-139. He had 5,301 total flight hours, including 5,265 hours as pilot-in-command, 474 hours at night, and 265 hours in actual instrument conditions. He had been employed by Metro Aviation for about 6 months and had 90 hours in the accident make and model. He did not meet currency requirements for flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was manufactured in 1998, equipped with a three-blade main rotor, two-blade tail rotor, and a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine. It had a night vision imaging system, helicopter terrain avoidance warning system, and autopilot, but was not certificated for flight in IMC. The helicopter had accrued 8,923.2 total hours.
Meteorological Information
Witnesses reported fog, mist, drizzle, low ceilings, and reduced visibility at the time of departure. The closest weather station reported wind from 120° at 4 knots, 3 miles visibility, drizzle, overcast ceiling at 300 ft, temperature 17°C, dew point 17°C. Satellite and radar data indicated low clouds and light precipitation. AIRMET Sierra for IFR conditions due to mist was valid at the accident time.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The helicopter struck trees about 0.5 mile north of the motor vehicle accident site. Debris path ran south to north at about 45° downward angle. The wreckage was heavily fragmented; main wreckage rested at base of a large tree. The main rotor was under power at impact. Control continuity was confirmed. Engine examination showed power was being produced at time of main rotor strike.
Medical and Pathological Information
Postmortem examinations determined the cause of death for all four occupants as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological testing of the pilot was negative for all tested drugs; ethanol, carbon monoxide, and cyanide tests were not performed.
Organizational Information
Metro Aviation operated the helicopter under contract with Haynes Life Flight LLC. Metro Aviation provided pilots and maintenance; Haynes Ambulance provided emergency medical services.
Additional Information
Metro Aviation's operations manual specified weather minimums for night VFR operations, including ceiling and visibility requirements. Guidance for inadvertent IMC stated that it was an emergency requiring maximum pilot attention.