History of Flight
On March 18, 2022, at 1432 eastern daylight time, an MD Helicopters 369HM, registration N650AG, struck power lines near Loxahatchee, Florida, resulting in the destruction of the helicopter. The commercial pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, operated by the commercial pilot.
According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from the Federal Aviation Administration, the helicopter departed Antiquers Aerodrome (FD08) in Delray Beach, Florida, at about 1359. It then flew north over swampy state land at altitudes between 25 and 75 ft above ground level (agl) and speeds between 83 and 100 knots. The data indicated the helicopter collided with high-voltage power lines measured at 80 ft agl. The data transmission ended at 1432.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, and instrument airplane. He did not possess a rotorcraft-helicopter rating at the time of the accident. A logbook endorsement allowed solo student flight in helicopters but prohibited carrying passengers. He was issued a second-class medical certificate on October 28, 2021, and reported 1,200 hours of total flight experience.
The pilot-rated passenger held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He had no helicopter experience.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located in a swampy field with power lines on the ground nearby. The wreckage path began at the power line location and extended approximately 250 ft on a 270° magnetic course. The main wreckage rested on its right side, oriented about 320°. The skids were separated, and all four main rotor blades were fractured off the hub; one blade could not be located. Power line impression marks were found on the landing light housing and skid brackets. The tail rotor was found about 30 ft from the main wreckage. Engine cowling, tail section, and engine parts were scattered along the path. The instrument panel was intact. Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The maintenance logbooks were not located.
Medical and Pathological Information
Toxicology testing by the FAA’s Forensic Services Laboratory showed no evidence of drugs or alcohol. An autopsy performed on the pilot by the Office of the Medical Examiner, District 15, West Palm Beach, Florida, listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries.