Bell 206L-1 N23PJ

Summary

On 16 February 2002 at about 11:15 local time, a Bell 206L-1 registered N23PJ was involved in an accident near New Smyrna Bch., Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

16 February 2002 at 11:15

Classification

Accident

Location

New Smyrna Bch., Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Spruce Creek (7FL6)

Coordinates

28.9900, -80.9903

Aircraft

Bell 206L-1

Registration

N23PJ

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Orlando → New Smyrna Beac

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

IMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

ATL02FA048

2 people died.

The pilot continued visual flight into instrument conditions that resulted in the in-flight collision with trees. Factor were the pilot's alcohol impaired condition, and low cloud conditions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

When the helicopter failed to arrive at the destination airport, a waiting passenger became concerned and alerted local authorities, and a search for the helicopter was initiated. The downed helicopter was located several hours later in a swampy area approximately 6 miles southeast of the destination airport. According to local law enforcement personnel at the accident site, low clouds and reduced visibility existed at the approximate time of the accident. Examination of the accident site showed that the wreckage debris from the helicopter was scattered over an area approximately 300 feet long and 40 feet wide. Examination of the airframe and the engine assembly failed to disclose a system malfunction or component failure. Toxicology reports for the pilot noted 115mg/dl (0.115%) of ethanol in the blood and 153mg/dl (0.153%) in the vitreous.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.