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ERA20CA184

2020-05-14 · Livingston, New York, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N183MP

Make / Model
BELL OH-58C
Engine
ALLISON 250-C20C (420 hp)
Seats / Engines
4 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20140429
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A14CF2

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while maneuvering at low altitude at night, which resulted in the helicopter striking a tree.

Factual narrative

The pilot of a helicopter reported that while maneuvering at low altitude, about 150 ft above the ground at night, the helicopter struck a tree. Subsequently, the helicopter started spinning to the right, impacted terrain, and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail-boom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of a helicopter reported that while maneuvering at low altitude, about 150 ft above the ground at night, the helicopter struck a tree. Subsequently, the helicopter started spinning to the right, impacted terrain, and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail-boom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
  • C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring environment-Pilot - C
  • F Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Dark-Contributed to outcome - F
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Not specified

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2020_ERA20CA184.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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