Aerospatiale AS350 accident near El Paso, TX
On February 6, 2010, an Aerospatiale AS350 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near El Paso, TX. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- February 6, 2010
- Place
- El Paso, TX
- Aircraft
- Aerospatiale AS350 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 32.109°N, 105.955°W
- NTSB ID
- 20100206X10511
Official records · CEN10FA113
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On February 5, 2010, approximately 1920 mountain standard time, an Aerospatiale AS350/B2 helicopter, N157BC, was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain while maneuvering in the McGregor Military Range, 23 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas. A postaccident fire ensued. The commercial pilot and two paramedics received fatal injuries. The helicopter was owned and operated by Enchantment Aviation Inc., D.B.A. Southwest Med Evac under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as a practice emergency medical services (EMS) flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight departed the El Paso International Airport (KELP), El Paso, Texas, approximately 1825. The flight was conducted under a contract with the United States Army and was attempting to pick up a soldier to simulate transporting injured Army personnel. The flight was to use night vision goggles (NVGs) and standard company practice was for the pilot and the paramedic seated in the left aft seat to be on NVGs. Several Army personnel utilizing various night vision devices were in the vicinity of the accident. The Army personnel stated that the helicopter arrived to the south of the accident site and made two right turn orbits. The helicopter was seen turning on and panning the white spot light during these orbits. Personnel on the ground attempted to make radio contact with the helicopter but were not successful, so they began waving chemical light sticks in an attempt to signal the helicopter. The helicopter w
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of situational awareness resulting in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the hazards of a low-contrast area while using night vision goggles.
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Browse: Texas · 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.
