Sikorsky S76
Calabasas, CA — January 26, 2020
Event Information
| Date | January 26, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DCA20MA059 |
| Event ID | 20200126X41436 |
| Location | Calabasas, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.11069, -118.67092 |
| Highest Injury | FATL |
Aircraft
| Make | Sikorsky |
| Model | S76 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 9 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 9 |
Event Location
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.