# NTSB Accident DEN04LA149
> **American Eurocopter AS-350-B3** · 2004-09-28 · Las Cruces, NM, USA · MINR
## Event
- **NTSB number:** DEN04LA149
- **Event ID:** 20040928X01511
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2004-09-28
- **Location:** Las Cruces, NM, USA
- **Coordinates:** 32.286945, -106.919723
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** MINR
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 1
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** American Eurocopter
- **Model:** AS-350-B3
- **Registration:** N497AE
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** NBRT
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff resulting in the helicopter's skid striking the helipad and the helicopter's subsequent rollover.  Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning/decision, his failure to use the helicopter's landing/taxi lights and searchlight, the bright night, and the pilots diminished ability to see visual references.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=DEN04LA149) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*