By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
NTSB has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred southeast of Raton on January 17, 2018 that claimed the lives of five of the six people on board the Bell UH-1H helicopter that was piloted by Jamie Dodd age 57.
According to the final report released on July 8, 2019 “Given the lack of mechanical anomalies and the level impact attitude of the helicopter, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude during cruise flight and subsequently impacted rising terrain.” The report went on to say the probable cause of this accident was “The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude above mountainous terrain during cruise flight in dark night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.”
The final report analysis of the accident further states, “FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 61-134, General Aviation Controlled Flight into Terrain Awareness, defines controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) as when an airworthy aircraft is flown, under the control of a qualified pilot, into terrain (water or obstacles) with inadequate awareness on the part of the pilot of the impending collision. Professional aviation articles on CFIT state that during night conditions where the height above terrain may be misperceived by a pilot, controlled flight into terrain can occur, even to experienced pilots.”
“Toxicology testing indicated a therapeutic level of diphenhydramine in the pilot’s blood at the time of the accident, which likely impaired him to some degree; however, it could not be determined if psychomotor slowing from the diphenhydramine contributed to his inability to recognize and/or avoid the terrain.” as reported in the final report.
Darkness and the rising terrain were also noted as contributing factors in the accident. The flight originated from Raton Crews Field Airport and the report noted that the weather was clear with light winds.
For more information on the initial crash report visit http://krtnradio.com/2018/03/04/helicopter-crash-southeast-of-raton-wednesday-evening/
(Link to Final NTSB Report Fatal Helo Crash east of Raton)
