26 Jan 2020: Sikorsky S76 B — Island Express

26 Jan 2020: Sikorsky S76 B (N72EX) — Island Express

9 fatalities • Calabasas, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure and the pilot’s plan continuation bias, which adversely affected his decision-making, and Island Express Helicopters Inc.’s inadequate review and oversight of its safety management processes.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On January 26, 2020, about 0945 PST, a Sikorsky S76B helicopter, N72EX, crashed into hilly terrain near Calabasas, California. A post impact fire ensued and resulted in a brush fire. The eight passengers and one pilot onboard were fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed. The helicopter was operated by Island Express Helicopters. Weather at Van Nuys airport, about 14 miles northeast of the site was reported as 1,100 feet overcast with 2 ½ miles visibility. The flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 under visual flight rules from John Wayne Airport (KSNA), Santa Ana, California, to Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Camarillo, California.

An Investigative Webpage is located at https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA20MA059.aspx.

Contributing factors

Pilot
Pilot
Pilot
Pilot
Operator
Compliance w/ procedure
Decision related to condition
Not installed/available
ATC personnel

Conditions

Weather: IMC, vis 2.5sm

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