Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude while descending over a lake, resulting in an in-flight collision with water.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 3, 1995, about 1535 eastern standard time, a Bell 47G, N6172, registered to Erick E. Fenz, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, flew into Lake Gore while descending. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries, and the pilot rated passenger was not injured. The flight originated from Flagler County Airport, Bunnell, Florida, about 5 minutes before the accident.
The pilot stated he made a descent over Lake Gore, misjudged his altitude, and inadvertently flew the helicopter into the water.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA95LA054