3 fatal · EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH EC 135 T2+ · 2008-05-11 · La Crosse, WI, USA
Event
NTSB number
CHI08FA128
Event ID
20080520X00702
Type
Accident
Date
2008-05-11
Location
La Crosse, WI, USA
Coordinates
43.841945, -91.165557
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
3
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
3
Aircraft
Make
EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
Model
EC 135 T2+
Registration
N135UW
FAR Part
091
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NDRK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees along the top of a ridgeline due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and the lack of a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system. Member Sumwalt did not approve this brief and probable cause. Member Sumwalt filed a dissenting statement that can be found in the public docket for this accident.