ERA22FA160

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane ratings but did not possess a helicopter rating at the time of the accident. He did have a logbook endorsement for solo student flight with helicopters with the prohibition of carrying passengers. The passenger was a pilot-rated for single-engine land airplanes and did not have any helicopter experience. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data, the helicopter departed an airport and flew north over swampy, state land. The data further showed the helicopter flying at altitudes from 25 to 75 ft above ground level (agl) and at speeds between 83 to 100 knots before colliding with high-voltage power lines. The helicopter came to rest in a swampy field about 250 ft from the power lines. The power lines were measured at 80 ft agl. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 18, 2022, at 1432 eastern daylight time, an MD Helicopters 369HM, N650AG, was destroyed after it impacted power lines near Loxahatchee, Florida. The commercial pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration, the helicopter departed Antiquers Aerodrome (FD08), Delray Beach, Florida, about 1359 and flew north over swampy, state land. The data showed the helicopter flying at altitudes from 25 to 75 ft above ground level (agl), and at speeds between 83 to 100 knots, before colliding with high-voltage power lines. The power lines were measured at 80 ft agl. The data ended at 1432. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, and instrument airplane. He did not possess a rotorcraft-helicopter rating at the time of the accident. He had a logbook endorsement for solo student flight in helicopters with the prohibition of carrying passengers. The commercial pilot was issued a FAA second-class medical certificate on October 28, 2021. He reported 1,200 hours of total flight experience at that time. The pilot-rated passenger held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land and an instrument rating. The pilot-rated passenger did not have any helicopter experience. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The wreckage was located in a swampy field. Power lines were observed on the ground near the wreckage. The wreckage path began where the power lines were located and continued for about 250 ft on a 270° magnetic course. The wreckage was laying on its right side and oriented about a 320° heading. The skids were separated from the helicopter, and all four main rotor blades were fractured off the hub. One main rotor blade could not be located in the swamp. Power line impression marks were found on the landing light housing and the skid brackets. The tail rotor was located about 30 ft from the main wreckage. Parts from the engine cowling, tail section and engine were found scattered in the wreckage path. The instrument panel was intact. Examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The maintenance logbooks could not be located. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION Toxicology testing performed by the FAA’s Forensic Services Laboratory did not reveal any evidence of drugs or alcohol. An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Office of the Medical Examiner, District 15, West Palm Beach, Florida. The report listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries.