Aerospatiale AS-350-D accident near Avalon, CA
On May 24, 2008, an Aerospatiale AS-350-D (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Avalon, CA. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- May 24, 2008
- Place
- Avalon, CA
- Aircraft
- Aerospatiale AS-350-D · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 3 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 33.438°N, 118.500°W
- NTSB ID
- 20080529X00746
Official records · SEA08MA136
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 24, 2008, at 0920 Pacific daylight time, an Aerospatiale AS-350-D helicopter, N67GE, operated by Island Express Helicopters, Inc., impacted terrain while landing at Two Harbors, Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island, California, during a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand, commercial flight. The flight departed from the Queensway Bay Heliport, Long Beach, California, at 0907. The commercial pilot, a company employee, and one passenger were killed, and three passengers were seriously injured. The helicopter was destroyed by impact damage and fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was approaching the destination when the accident occurred. A company flight plan was in effect. According to the operator, the purpose of the flight was to transport passengers from Long Beach to Two Harbors. The intent was to drop the passengers off at Two Harbors and the pilot and company employee were to return to Long Beach. After the flight departed from Long Beach, the pilot reported via radio that they were mid-channel at 0914 and that they were on final to land at 0919. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter approaching the island from the north, heading south about 300 feet above ground level. In the area of Two Harbors, several of the witnesses heard a “pop” sound, followed by flames emitting from the back of the engine. The helicopter then entered a descent and collided with the ground. A fire erupted and the helicopter was destroyed. A surviving passenger later reported that just after the lou
Probable cause
Loss of engine power during approach for landing due to a fatigue fracture of a power turbine blade.
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Browse: California · Aerospatiale 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.
