Flight History
On November 29, 1999, an Emerald Pacific Airlines UH12E helicopter, registration B31007, departed from Chishan at 0600 for an insecticide spraying mission over a banana plantation west of Pingtung Airport. The aircraft completed seven spraying runs, each lasting about 15 minutes, with a landing in Fengshan for refueling and reloading. After the mission, the pilot picked up the mechanic in Fengshan and headed north along Kaoping Stream back to Chishan. The aircraft requested to pass through the glide path of Pingtung Airport, ascend to 200 feet over a high-voltage power cable tower, then descend to approximately 50 feet for a flight above the water. At about 1008, 2 to 3 minutes after passing the water reservoir near the sand-retaining dam, the helicopter crashed into the water in a nearly horizontal attitude, with a last recorded speed of 60 knots and altitude of roughly 50 feet.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot was not injured in the crash but drowned while attempting to swim ashore; he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The A/E mechanic sustained a minor bruise to the right side of his forehead and was taken to the hospital, being discharged the following day.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed by excessive external forces that overloaded the airframe. It had apparently sufficient power at the time of impact.
Personnel Information
The pilot was substituting for another pilot on leave and had been conducting the assignment since November 26. Both crew members were duly certified according to applicable civil aviation laws and company regulations.
Meteorological Conditions
Visibility in the control zone of Pingnan Airport was 3,200 meters, below the minimum of 5 kilometers for visual meteorological conditions. It was drizzling at the time of the accident, and visibility through the front windshield was limited due to rain. Despite the rain, the mechanic stated that visibility was fair and he could see buildings and trees along the stream.
Flight Operations
The northbound return flight along Kaoping Stream just above the water did not meet the minimum altitude requirement of 500 feet under visual flight rules. The pilot did not have complete or accurate weather information and did not request special visual flight rules from ATC. No flight plan was filed, which was a violation of regulations.
Mechanical and Maintenance
The aircraft had met all airworthiness requirements, and its maintenance records showed no irregularities. Weight and balance were within allowable limits.
Survival Aspects
After impact, the cockpit filled with water, and the helicopter tilted to the right. The left door bounced open. The mechanic abandoned the cockpit first, followed by the pilot. The pilot drowned while trying to swim ashore.
Probable Cause
The aircraft flew in poor visibility, failed to maintain safe altitude, and lacked situational awareness of ground (water) obstruction. The aircraft struck the water because it was flying at an altitude too low for the pilot to take corrective actions.