Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA94LA165

SARASOTA, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N520TC

HUGHES 369HS

Analysis

THE HELICOPTER FLEW INTO WATER DURING AN AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FLIGHT. A PASSENGER IN THE HELICOPTER WAS WEARING A HARNESS AND WAS SECURED TO THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR BY A NYLON ROPE. THE NYLON ROPE BROKE AND THE PASSENGER WAS EJECTED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED AND DISLOCATED SHOULDER.

Factual Information

On June 22, 1994, about 1045 eastern daylight time, a Hughes 369HS, N520TC, registered to C & C Endeavers, crashed into the Sarasota Bay near Sarasota, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 aerial photography flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the airline transport- rated pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. One passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight originated about 1015 from the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Sarasota, Florida. During an aerial photography flight the helicopter was flown into the water. One of the passengers who was in the right rear seat was wearing a harness which was secured to the seatbelt anchor by a nylon rope. After impact with the water the nylon rope broke and the passenger was ejected from the helicopter. The passenger sustained a fractured and dislocated shoulder.

Probable Cause and Findings

ALTITUDE MISJUDGED BY THE PILOT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports