# NTSB Accident IAD03LA012
> **Westland Helicopters Gazelle AH-MK1** · 2002-11-09 · East Hampton, NY, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=IAD03LA012) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*