Official accident report released on Bonnet Carre Spillway helicopter crash
The report says the helicopter was flying too low and too fast in low-lying fog when it collided with guy wire suspended between two trusses.
The report says the helicopter was flying too low and too fast in low-lying fog when it collided with guy wire suspended between two trusses.
The report says the helicopter was flying too low and too fast in low-lying fog when it collided with guy wire suspended between two trusses.
The National Transportation Safety Board has released an official accident report for a helicopter that crashed on the Bonnet Carre Spillway in December, killing the pilot.
According to the accident report, Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast data tracked the helicopter’s flight path as it flew along Interstate 10 toward New Orleans.
The report says the helicopter was flying too low and too fast in low-lying fog when it collided with guy wire suspended between two trusses.
The report estimates the guy-wire was ar0und 130 feet above the bridge.
Due to the dense fog, the pilot is believed to have been unable to see the transmission lines before impact.
The report says several commercial vehicles' dash cameras captured the helicopter’s descent and impact with the bridge.
Video showed that the helicopter’s main rotor blades, mast and transmission separated from the fuselage and were later located in Lake Pontchartrain.
A post-impact fire ensued which consumed most of the fuselage.
According to the report, no video showing the helicopter’s collision with the transmission line has been found.
Following the accident, a Coast Guard helicopter was launched to the scene to provide search and rescue support.
The Coast Guard pilot reported that the weather was "visual flight rules" at Louis Armstrong International Airport, but deteriorated as the pilot moved further west.
Low-level fog allowed the stanchions of the power lines to be barely visible from the east.
According to the report, all of the major components of the helicopter were located at the accident site, and the helicopter was sent to a facility for further examination.
To view the entire report, click here.
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