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NTSB Report
January 26, 2020 · Sikorsky S76 B · N72EX
Calabasas, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 26, 2020
Injury Outcomes
9 injuries (9 fatalities)
Location
Calabasas, CA
Aircraft
Sikorsky S76 B (1991)
Tail Number
N72EX
Operator
Island Express
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DCA20MA059
On January 26, 2020, about 0945 PST, a Sikorsky S76B helicopter, N72EX, crashed into hilly terrain near Calabasas, California. A post impact fire ensued and resulted in a brush fire. The eight passengers and one pilot onboard were fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed. The helicopter was operated by Island Express Helicopters. Weather at Van Nuys airport, about 14 miles northeast of the site was reported as 1,100 feet overcast with 2 ½ miles visibility. The flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 under visual flight rules from John Wayne Airport (KSNA), Santa Ana, California, to Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Camarillo, California. An Investigative Webpage is located at https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA20MA059.aspx.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure and the pilot’s plan continuation bias, which adversely affected his decision-making, and Island Express Helicopters Inc.’s inadequate review and oversight of its safety management processes.
Full Narrative
On January 26, 2020, about 0945 PST, a Sikorsky S76B helicopter, N72EX, crashed into hilly terrain near Calabasas, California. A post impact fire ensued and resulted in a brush fire. The eight passengers and one pilot onboard were fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed. The helicopter was operated by Island Express Helicopters. Weather at Van Nuys airport, about 14 miles northeast of the site was reported as 1,100 feet overcast with 2 ½ miles visibility. The flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 under visual flight rules from John Wayne Airport (KSNA), Santa Ana, California, to Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Camarillo, California. An Investigative Webpage is located at https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA20MA059.aspx.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSikorsky S76 B
Tail NumberN72EX
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorIsland Express
Operating RulePart 135
Seats10
People & Injuries
Injury Summary9 injuries (9 fatalities)
Fatal9
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total9
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · Fatal
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility2.5 sm
CeilingOvercast 1100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time09:30
Weather SourceWFAC