7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Robinson R-44 | N881KE

October 20th, 2024 | Houston, Texas

Accident Location

  • City: Houston
  • State: Texas
  • Latitude: 29.757248
  • Longitude: -95.338352
  • Airport ID: KEFD

Aircraft Info

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Grandbouche, Samantha Corrine
  • Gender: Female
  • Pilot Age: 42
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: October 20th, 2024
  • Time: 7:50 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Night
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Enroute
  • Total People Onboard: 4
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 3
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 4
  • NTSB No: CEN25FA019
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to Pilot Error, in that the pilot failed to plan and fly a route that would remain well clear of all free standing structures at her planned tour altitude. As a new for profit tour operations, the owners and managers of the associated company likely did not provide specific guidance or training to the pilot concerning the route and altitude to be flown for this scenic night flight package.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all helicopter tour operators take adequate steps to plan basic GPS routes and altitudes that clear all objects by a wide margin, and operate at an altitude such that a powerplant failure would lead to a safe auto rotate off airport landing. The DTSB recommends that all pilots use available technology to avoid controlled flight into known terrain. The DTSB also recommends that FAA more closely monitor the night tower lighting system installed on all structures above 200 AGL as compared to that which is required by law.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.