# NTSB Accident DCA20MA059
> **Sikorsky S76** · 2020-01-26 · Calabasas, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=DCA20MA059) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*