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This case study examines a helicopter crash in Pyote, Texas on March 21, 2004, where poor weather conditions and lack of flight dispatch procedures contributed to the accident. The crash occurred during the transportation of an infant between hospitals, with severe thunderstorms and reduced visibility hindering search and rescue efforts. The incident highlights the importance of proper weather briefings, flight dispatch, and risk evaluation in ensuring safe flights.
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History of Flight • No weather briefing prior to flight • Transporting infant between hospitals • Provided position reports to hospital dispatch • About 35 minutes into the flight, position report, then communication lost
History of Flight • Approximately 1 hour later, hospital dispatch notified local authorities of possible downed helicopter • Ground search and rescue began • Air search and rescue delayed due to poor weather
Weather Conditions • Severe thunderstorms • Wind gusts • Brown-out conditions and reduced visibility • Dark night, no moon
Flight Dispatch Procedures • No flight dispatch • No weather information obtained prior to departure • Hospital dispatch • SIGMET indicated thunderstorms along flight path • Updated weather information not provided
Other Issues • No flight risk evaluation • No Terrain Awareness and Warning System
