Accident · 2023-05-23
What the record says
- Event date
- 2023-05-23
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- No injuries
- Aircraft
- EUROCOPTER AS 350 B3 (N791AM)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.
Source: NTSB case WPR23LA200Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot pilot flying | Commercial / Military | Helicopter | 42 | Class 2 (2023-05-04) | 1,900 total · 200 in this make/model · 560 as PIC |
| Co-pilot | Airline transport pilot / Commercial | Airplane / Helicopter | 44 | Class 1 (2023-05-24) | 1,388 total · 190 in this make/model · 914 as PIC · 56 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.