# NTSB Accident ERA12FA527
> **BELL 407** · 2012-08-25 · Abingdon, VA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA12FA527) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*