N840BP

On January 12, 2006, approximately 1600 central standard time, a single-engine Aerospatiale AS350-B2 turbo-shaft helicopter, N840BP, registered to and operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Air Operations, was substantially damaged when it impacted wires while maneuvering near Eagle Pass, Texas. The 1,672 hour commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight plan was filed for the public use flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local flight departed Del Rio International Airport (DRT), near Del Rio, Texas, approximately 1500.

A Customs and Border Patrol Safety Officer performed an on-scene examination of the wreckage. The Safety Officer reported that unmarked transmission wires were approximately 100 feet above the water at the impact point and that the helicopter made a successful autorotation and landed upright in the middle of the Rio Grande River, 853 feet from the point of the wire strike. The helicopter came to rest in about 3 feet of water, and the pilot performed an emergency engine shutdown and egressed through the pilot door unassisted. The pilot stated that prior to impacting the wires, his attention was diverted to locating the airboats on the water and searching for ground activity and failed to recognize his proximity to the set of power lines.

The wreckage of the helicopter was recovered to the facilities of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Air Operations, at Del Rio, Texas, for further examination.

At 1540 CST, the automated weather reporting facility at Piedras Negras, Mexico (MMPG), located approximately 6 miles south of the accident site reported wind light and variable, visibility 7 statute miles, scattered clouds at 16,000 feet, temperature 79 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 54 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 29.77 inches of Mercury.