Eurocopter AS 350 B2 N918EM

Summary

On 23 July 2010 at about 00:25 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B2 registered N918EM, operated by Eaglemed LLC, was involved in an accident near Kingfisher, Oklahoma, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 July 2010 at 00:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Kingfisher, Oklahoma, United States

Coordinates

35.7825, -97.9142

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS 350 B2

Registration

N918EM

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Eaglemed LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Positioning

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Oklahoma City → Okeene

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN10FA424

2 people died.

The pilot’s impaired judgment, due to medications, which led to an abrupt low-level maneuver and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The surviving paramedic reported that while en route to the destination hospital to pick up a patient, a conversation began about flying on a coyote hunt. The pilot abruptly began a low-level maneuver in an attempt to demonstrate a coyote hunt flight. As the pilot maneuvered at low level, the helicopter and main rotor blades impacted trees and then terrain. An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicological testing performed on specimens from the pilot detected the presence of numerous medications, including hydrocodone (a prescription narcotic for pain treatment), diazempam (a prescription medication with sedative effects) and chlorpheniramine (an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine). It is likely that these medications would have impaired the pilot’s judgment and ability to maintain control of the helicopter. A review of the pilot’s medical history found medical treatment for several conditions that were not reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, the certificate holder, or the operator.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.