# NTSB Accident DCA91MA031
> **BELL 412SP** · 1991-04-04 · MERION, PA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** DCA91MA031
- **Event ID:** 20001212X16772
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1991-04-04
- **Location:** MERION, PA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 39.999595, -75.24089
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 5
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 12
## Aircraft
- **Make:** BELL
- **Model:** 412SP
- **Registration:** N78S
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

THE POOR JUDGEMENT BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE AIRPLANE TO PERMIT THE IN-FLIGHT INSPECTION AFTER HE HAD DETERMINED TO THE BEST OF HIS ABILITY THAT THE NOSE LANDING GEAR WAS FULLY EXTENDED, THE POOR JUDGMENT OF THE CAPTAIN OF THE HELICOPTER TO CONDUCT THE INSPECTION, AND THE FAILURE OF THE FLIGHTCREW OF THE HELICOPTER TO MAINTAIN SAFE SEPARATION.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=DCA91MA031) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*