# NTSB Accident GAA15LA217
> **MD HELICOPTER INC 369E** · 2015-08-05 · Whitefish, MT, USA · MINR
## Event
- **NTSB number:** GAA15LA217
- **Event ID:** 20150806X82855
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2015-08-05
- **Location:** Whitefish, MT, USA
- **Coordinates:** 48.433612, -114.418334
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** MINR
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 1
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** MD HELICOPTER INC
- **Model:** 369E
- **Registration:** N43792
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** NITE
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and a level attitude while hovering over water at night during an external load operation, which resulted in the helicopter’s main rotor contacting the surface of the water.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=GAA15LA217) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*