4 fatal · BELL 206L-3 · 1989-06-02 · BIG TIMBER, MT, USA
Event
NTSB number
DEN89MA130
Event ID
20001213X28565
Type
Accident
Date
1989-06-02
Location
BIG TIMBER, MT, USA
Coordinates
45.959381, -109.850463
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
4
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
4
Aircraft
Make
BELL
Model
206L-3
Registration
N76KM
FAR Part
135
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NDRK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF, DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT, PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION, INADEQUATE INITIAL TRAINING OF THE PILOT BY THE OPERATOR, THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AND THE COMPANY'S INSUFFICIENT STANDARDS/REQUIREMENTS.