1 fatal · Westland Helicopters Gazelle AH-MK1 · 2002-11-09 · East Hampton, NY, USA
Event
NTSB number
IAD03LA012
Event ID
20021126X05533
Type
Accident
Date
2002-11-09
Location
East Hampton, NY, USA
Coordinates
40.88861, -72.269447
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Westland Helicopters
Model
Gazelle AH-MK1
Registration
N911XW
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NDRK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water. Factors included the pilot's decision to fly over water on a moonless night, his lack of experience in that environment, and the dark night lighting conditions.