1 fatal · BELL 407 · 2012-08-25 · Abingdon, VA, USA
Event
NTSB number
ERA12FA527
Event ID
20120826X42003
Type
Accident
Date
2012-08-25
Location
Abingdon, VA, USA
Coordinates
36.594444, -82.018333
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
BELL
Model
407
Registration
N407N
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
NDRK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to make a low-level departure over water in dark night conditions without lights, which resulted in controlled flight into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's likely spatial disorientation due to a vestibular illusion caused by the rapid acceleration during takeoff.