Sikorsky S-58ET accident near Brookville, IN
On July 10, 2002, a Sikorsky S-58ET (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Brookville, IN. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- July 10, 2002
- Place
- Brookville, IN
- Aircraft
- Sikorsky S-58ET · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 2 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 39.510°N, 85.000°W
- NTSB ID
- 20020715X01131
Official records · CHI02FA189
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On July 10, 2002, about 1615 eastern daylight time, a Sikorsky S-58ET , N580US, operated by Midwest Helicopter Airways Inc., was substantially damaged when it struck power transmission lines and subsequently impacted Brookville Lake, Brookville, Indiana. The helicopter was maneuvering at low altitude when the accident occurred. The 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot and one passenger received serious injuries. A second passenger was fatally injured. The flight originated from Shelbyville, Indiana, and was destined for Lebanon, Ohio. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) interviewed the pilot on July 10, 2002. According to the FAA record of interview, the pilot stated that they were en route to Lebanon, Ohio, and their course would take them over Brookville Lake. The pilot stated that he reviewed his sectional chart for wires. As they approached the reservoir they descended to a couple of hundred feet above the ground level (agl). The pilot reported that he looked up and saw wires. The pilot reported that he pulled up and felt the helicopter strike the wires. The pilot stated that the helicopter began to rotate. He subsequently closed the throttle to stop rotation. The piloted stated that the helicopter struck the water and submerged immediately. The pilot stated that he and the passenger in the left seat were able to exit the helicopter and swim to the surface. The pilot stated that upon reaching the surface they were picked up by boaters in the area. The pilot reported t
Probable cause
The pilot's intentional low altitude fight and his failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines. Factors to the accident were the power transmission lines followed by the inability to control the aircraft after the collision with power transmission lines.
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Browse: Indiana · Sikorsky aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
