Federal investigators say loss of control led to Hurricane Ian recovery helicopter crash
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded the October 2022 crash of a Hurricane Ian recovery helicopter in Fort Myers was caused by loss of control.
According to federal investigators' final report, released Thursday, the pilot’s execution of a landing approach with a right, quartering tailwind, low forward airspeed and high power demand resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and helicopter control.
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X injured four on Oct. 8, 2022, after it struck a light tower and crashed around 6:30 p.m. behind the Iona McGregor fire station on Pine Ridge Road, in south Fort Myers.
The pilot and three passengers suffered serious injuries. The single pilot was identified as a 50-year-old man and the three passengers as a 52-year-old man; and two 36-year-old men. Authorities didn't release their names.
The chopper was carrying a crew setting up communication systems in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The storm made landfall in Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, killing more 70 people in Lee County.
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According to the report, the pilot, through his attorney, reported he was approaching a landing zone at Fire Station 75, 15660 Pine Ridge Road, to drop off passengers.
About 150 feet above the ground, he noticed flags near the landing zone and elected to make another approach to better align with the light wind, investigators said.
He added power to initiate the go-around before a "bump and dip" followed in the tail, causing severe and massive vibration and shaking of the helicopter, with a left yaw.
The private helicopter then pitched up and rolled violently. Investigators said the pilot was unable to regain control and the helicopter hit the ground near the landing zone, in a ditch.
Investigators said one of the passengers video-recorded the final portion of the flight with a personalelectronic device, which was then used in the probe.
Authorities noted the cockpit instruments appeared normal, with no indication of an anomaly or malfunction.
Investigators said an examination of the fuselage, doors, interior, seats, and restraints, and emergency equipment revealed no evidence of anomalies or malfunctions prior to the wreck.
Authorities said the chopper was manufactured in 2021. Its last maintenance entry was dated July 7, 2022.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: NTSB: Loss of control led to Hurricane Ian recovery helicopter crash
