9 fatal · Sikorsky S76 · 2020-01-26 · Calabasas, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
DCA20MA059
Event ID
20200126X41436
Type
Accident
Date
2020-01-26
Location
Calabasas, CA, USA
Coordinates
34.110691, -118.67092
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
9
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
9
Aircraft
Make
Sikorsky
Model
S76
Registration
N72EX
FAR Part
135
Engines
—
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
IMC
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure and the pilot’s plan continuation bias, which adversely affected his decision-making, and Island Express Helicopters Inc.’s inadequate review and oversight of its safety management processes.