Primary finding
Probable cause
In-flight collision with terrain during a precautionary landing. Factors include instrument meteorological conditions and pilot disorientation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
In a written statement dated September 27, the pilot reported that he elected to make a precautionary landing after seeing an unspecified "flicker on the dash warning lights." He stated that before arriving at the spot he intended to land "fog closed in and I become disoriented and missed the spot."
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 24, 2005, about 0845 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369E Helicopter, N5207C, sustained substantial damage following an in-flight collision with terrain during a precautionary landing in instrument meteorological conditions approximately 5 miles west of the Medford airport, Medford, Oregon. The helicopter is registered to BTS, LLC, of Ashland, Oregon, and was being operated by Brim Aviation as a visual flight rules (VFR) local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, received minor injuries. The flight originated from Medford, approximately 10 minutes prior to the accident. The flight-planned destination was Grants Pass, Oregon. A company VFR flight plan was on file at the time of the accident. In a written statement dated September 27, the pilot reported that he elected to make a precautionary landing after seeing an unspecified "flicker on the dash warning lights." He stated that before arriving at the spot he intended to land "fog closed in and I become disoriented and missed the spot." The pilot gave no explanation as to the origin, type, duration or color of the warning light.