# NTSB Accident FTW97LA001
> **CONTINENTAL COPTERS EL TOMCAT MK-5A** · 1996-10-01 · LAFAYETTE, LA, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** FTW97LA001
- **Event ID:** 20001208X06869
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-10-01
- **Location:** LAFAYETTE, LA, USA
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** CONTINENTAL COPTERS
- **Model:** EL TOMCAT MK-5A
- **Registration:** N7MH
- **FAR Part:** 137
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to ensure a proper preflight and the groundcrew's failure to remove the tiedown. Factors were pilot and groundcrew fatigue.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=FTW97LA001) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*