Investigation Summary
The flight departed Raton Municipal Airport at approximately 17:50 local time for a short cross-country trip to Folsom. The environment was characterized by dark night conditions with a lack of ground lighting or cultural illumination, which significantly reduced visual terrain features. According to the surviving passenger, the flight was normal until the sudden impact. The helicopter struck a mesa that rose approximately 100 feet above the surrounding terrain. Post-impact, the aircraft came to rest inverted and was consumed by fire. Although the pilot, Jamie Coleman Dodd, initially survived the crash and told a witness he had flown into terrain, he died during transport to the hospital. Among the fatalities was a second pilot-rated individual, Paul Cobb, who was not acting as the pilot-in-command. Investigators found no mechanical anomalies with the engine or flight controls. Toxicology reports identified a therapeutic level of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) in the pilot's system, which may have caused some impairment, though its specific role in the accident could not be definitively established.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB concluded the investigation in July 2019, determining the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above mountainous terrain during cruise flight in dark night conditions. The lack of visual cues in the unpopulated area likely led to a misperception of height above the ground.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Pilot
Jamie Coleman Dodd; Commercial pilot. Initially survived the impact but died during transport to the hospital.
Systems & Failure Modes
Lycoming T53-L-703
The turboshaft engine powering the UH-1H; post-accident examination of the turbine blades and transmission gears showed no evidence of pre-impact failure.
Visual Cues
The lack of ground lighting and the dark night conditions deprived the pilot of the necessary visual references to maintain terrain clearance.
Interesting Facts
- 01The accident occurred on a moonless night in an area with very low cultural lighting.
- 02The aircraft (MSN 9856) was originally manufactured for the U.S. Army in 1967 (Serial 67-17658); it was restored and received civil certification in 2007.
- 03Among the fatalities were Zimbabwean politician Roy Bennett and British world record holder Charles Burnett III.
- 04The helicopter was operated under a Restricted Category airworthiness certificate.
- 05Ground scars were consistent with the helicopter being in level flight at the moment of impact.
- 06A second pilot-rated individual, Paul Cobb, was on board as a passenger.
Safety Actions & Advisories
CFIT Awareness
The NTSB highlighted FAA Advisory Circular 61-134, which warns that even experienced pilots can misperceive height above terrain during night conditions, leading to CFIT.