Eurocopter EC130 M-BOAT

Summary

On 1 August 2009 at about 20:56 local time, a Eurocopter EC130 registered M-BOAT, operated by Highland Helicopter (Isle of Man) Limited, was involved in an accident near Deer Isle, Maine, United States. 4 people were on board and 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 August 2009 at 20:56

Classification

Accident

Location

Deer Isle, Maine, United States

Coordinates

44.2894, -68.6903

Aircraft

Eurocopter EC130

Registration

M-BOAT

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Highland Helicopter (Isle of Man) Limited

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Deer Island → Deer Island

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09LA436

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's loss of directional control during an out-of-ground-effect hover.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter departed a private yacht and was flying along an island shoreline at approximately 400 feet above mean sea level when the pilot entered an out-of-ground effect hover and initiated a left-pedal turn. The helicopter started turning faster than commanded, and the pilot was unable to regain control. The helicopter subsequently lost altitude and impacted the water. Prior to impacting the water, the pilot deployed the emergency skid-mounted floats to prevent sinking. According to the pilot, "the accident was totally pilot error with no mechanical malfunction." Examination of the wreckage confirmed no evidence of any mechanical malfunction or failure.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.