N791AMEUROCOPTER AS 350 B32023-05-24 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

EUROCOPTER AS 350 B3S/N: 4335

Summary

On May 24, 2023, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 (N791AM) was involved in an incident near San Diego, CA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR23LA200. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N791AM.

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
NTSB Number
WPR23LA200
Location
San Diego, CA
Event ID
20230525192242
Coordinates
32.570396, -116.984810
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
EUROCOPTER
Serial Number
4335
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
AS 350 B3
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
AS 350 B3

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Address
1300 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW RM 6.4A
City
WASHINGTON
State / Zip Code
DC 20229-0002
Country
United States

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR23LA200