Preliminary NTSB report details fatal helicopter crash in West Alton
WEST ALTON, Mo. - The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on a deadly helicopter crash last week in West Alton, Missouri, confirming that the aircraft struck transmission lines before crashing onto a barge, among other details.
The NTSB report shared technical details about the Aug. 7 crash that killed two people, the extent of aircraft damage and plans for further investigation. It also features three newly-released photos showing the aftermath of the crash from the barge.
According to ADS-B data cited in the report, the helicopter departed from the north bank of the Mississippi River around 10:25 a.m. and made three trips to the powerline support tower on the south bank of the river, returning to the north bank after each trip.
The helicopter, identified as a Hughes 369D model, ultimately crashed around 10:59 a.m. onto a barge on the Mississippi River, according to the report.
According to a witness account, cited in the report, as the pilot maneuvered the aircraft and a lineman - standing on the left skid in a safety harness - attempted to attach a safety marker onto power lines, the helicopter's tail struck a transmission line.
The helicopter's tailboom then partially separated, the aircraft pivoted, and the cockpit also struck a line, producing sparks. Moments later, the helicopter fell onto the deck of a barge, igniting a post-impact fire.
According to the report, some wreckage from the barge, including two main rotor blades and a main rotor blade tip, were recovered from the barge. Portions of the tail boom, tail rotor, and some rotor blades were not located and presumably fell into the river.
According to the report, a video recorder onboard from the tow vessel has been retained for further examination and plans have been made to search the river bottom near the crash site with sonar equipment. Several pieces of helicopter wreckage were also retained for possible further evaluation.
The NTSB noted that the helicopter was operating as part of a Part 133 external load flight, under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations.
According to the report, weather conditions at the time of the crash were clear, with 10 miles of visibility and light winds.
St. Charles County officials previously identified the victims as Nicholas Fulton, 35, of Salem, Missouri, and Michael Curry, 37, of Ashley, Illinois.
While the preliminary report was released just eight days after the crash, the NTSB says a full investigation could take up to two years. Further work will likely focus on the pilot, the aircraft, the operating environment, communications, maintenance records and more.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has video or relevant information about it is asked to email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
