Mon, Aug 10, 2020
(Pilot) And The Right Seat Passenger/Observer Detected Smoke In The Cockpit/Cabin Area
Location: San Andreas, CA Accident Number: WPR20LA228
Date & Time: 07/20/2020, 0938 PDT Registration: N745BW
Aircraft: MD Helicopter 600 Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation
On July 20, 2020, about 0938 Pacific daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas 600N helicopter, N745BW, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Andreas, California. The pilot and two passenger/observers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.
In a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that while performing low-altitude inflight powerline visual assessment operations about 250 ft above ground level (agl), and while on the second circuit of the morning, he and the right seat passenger/observer detected smoke in the cockpit/cabin area.
Subsequently, the pilot elected to make an emergency descent, to an open area, during which at about 100 ft agl, the engine experienced a total power failure. The helicopter subsequently landed hard, during which the right skid failed. Shortly after the pilot and the two passenger/observers successfully egressed the helicopter uninjured. A fire erupted, which consumed the aircraft.
The helicopter was recovered the following day to a secured storage facility for future examination.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]