Apr 6, 2015
Accident
Substantial Cherokee, AL
Injuries1 fatal
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsIMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The pilot's spatial disorientation during a low-level river crossing in rainy, gray, reduced visibility meteorological conditions, which resulted in the helicopter's subsequent descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt the low-level crossing under those meteorological conditions.
NTSB ERA15FA178