Eurocopter AS-350-B3 accident near Apache Junction, AZ
On December 15, 2004, an Eurocopter AS-350-B3 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Apache Junction, AZ. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- December 15, 2004
- Place
- Apache Junction, AZ
- Aircraft
- Eurocopter AS-350-B3 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 2 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 33.408°N, 111.453°W
- NTSB ID
- 20041217X02006
Official records · LAX05FA053
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
1.1 HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 14, 2004, at 2237 mountain standard time, a Eurocopter AS-350-B3, N971AE, operating under the call sign Air-Evac II, collided with terrain while attempting a landing in a shopping center parking lot at Apache Junction, Arizona. The helicopter was operated by Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., (PHI) as a positioning flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot and a medical crewmember both received serious injuries; a second medical crewmember received fatal injuries. The helicopter was destroyed. The air medical flight originated at a local base of operation and was positioning for a patient recovery at the landing site and transport to a hospital. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan had been filed. The wreckage was at 33 degrees 24.50 minutes north latitude and 111 degrees 27.15 minutes west longitude. The emergency landing zone was located in a store parking lot. The area for landing was secured by Apache Junction police and fire department personnel. The pilot was in communication with the ground personnel for a briefing on possible landing obstructions. The pilot confirmed the final landing zone and light pole obstructions that were pointed out to her. Witnesses reported that the helicopter overflew the landing zone in right turns, then approached from the northeast. The witnesses' observations of the final approach altitude were estimated at 100 to 300 feet above ground level. None of the ground witnesses reported seeing a landing light showing on the front of the helicopter. During the
Probable cause
A loss of control during the final approach to land for undetermined reasons.
More accidents in AZ
- De Havilland DHC-6-300, Sep 27, 1989
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- Piper PA-31-350, Aug 17, 1983
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- Cessna 421C, Sep 2, 1995
Browse: Arizona · Eurocopter 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.
