DARDANELLE, CA, USA
N6456
AEROSPATIALE SA-316B
THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM MODESTO, CA ON A MEDIVAC FLIGHT TO PICK UP A VICTIM THAT WAS INJURED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. A NURSE AND A MEDICAL TECHNICIAN WERE ON BOARD. SPOTLIGHTS ON VEHICLES WERE USED TO ILLUMINATE THE LANDING AREA AS WELL AS HIGH SURROUNDING TREES. AFTER CIRCLING ABOUT 3 TIMES, THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A TREE ABOUT 134 FT AGL WHILE IN A DESCENDING LEFT TURN. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES REMAIN LODGE IN THE TREE AND THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST ABOUT 30 FT FROM THE TREE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
