Md Helicopters Inc 600 accident near Sterling City, TX
On November 29, 2023, a Md Helicopters Inc 600 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Sterling City, TX. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- November 29, 2023
- Place
- Sterling City, TX
- Aircraft
- Md Helicopters Inc 600 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 31.924°N, 100.969°W
- NTSB ID
- 20231129193451
Official records · CEN24FA049
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn November 29, 2023, about 1430 central standard time, a MD Helicopters Inc. MD600N helicopter, N745MB, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Sterling City, Texas. The commercial pilot and the aerial lineman sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 rotorcraft external load flight. The purpose of the flight was to perform aerial work on a power line system. The helicopter was operated by Brim Aviation. There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence. Prior to the flight, the pilot completed the operator’s flight risk assessment tool. The helicopter arrived at the remote landing zone (LZ) to perform the work about 1240. Between 1245 and 1310 the helicopter was configured for the work, and a safety meeting was held. From 1315 to 1340, a pre-work scouting flight was performed. At 1340, the helicopter arrived back at the LZ to prepare for the work and another briefing was held. A review of ADS-B data showed that the helicopter departed from the LZ about 1415. The helicopter then approached the target power line pole (a steel mono pole that was about 133 ft tall) from the west. The helicopter maneuvered around the pole, and the data subsequently terminated at the pole about 1429. At 1440, the helicopter was overdue, and the operator began multiple communication attempts and then started searching for the helicopter. At 1551, the operator arrived at the accident site and discovered the wreckage of the helicopter. PERSONNEL INFORMATIONThe pilot was employed by th
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole’s static arm during forecasted gusting wind conditions, un-forecasted light turbulence, and un-forecasted low-level wind shear conditions, resulting in main rotor blade contact with the static arm and a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.
More accidents in TX
- Kubicek BB85, Jul 30, 2016
- Robertson C-414, Jul 29, 1982
- Textron Aviation B-300, Jun 30, 2019
- Beech B100, Nov 26, 1983
- Consolidated-Vultee PBY-6A, Oct 13, 1984
Browse: Texas · Md 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.
