Eurocopter AS 350-B2, Meadview, Ariz., Aug. 10, 2001–The crash of Eurocopter N169PA during an uncontrolled descent in precipitous terrain about four miles east of Meadview was caused by “the pilot’s in-flight decision to maneuver the helicopter in a flight regime, and in a high density-altitude environment, in which the aircraft’s performance capability was marginal, resulting in a high rate of descent from which recovery was not possible,” said the NTSB. “Factors contributing to the accident were high density altitude and the pilot’s decision to maneuver the helicopter in proximity to precipitous terrain, which effectively limited any remedial options available.”
The helicopter was operated by Papillon Airways as a Part 135 air-tour flight. It left the company base at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) to tour the west Grand Canyon area, with lunch and refueling stops. The helicopter was en route back to LAS when the accident occurred. The helicopter was destroyed and the pilot and five passengers were killed; a surviving passenger sustained serious injuries. VMC prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed.
