New Smyrna Beach, FL – A report shows the 43-year-old pilot of a Volusia County Mosquito Control helicopter was trying to make a long turn when he crashed into a heavily wooded area near New Smyrna Beach.
The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary findings on Wednesday in the September 3rd crash near State Road 44 that sent VCMC Chief Pilot Brian Hayes to Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment.
According to that report, Hayes – a 20-year United States Army veteran who flew Blackhawks while in uniform – was flying a 1989 McDonnell Douglas rotorcraft on a spraying mission when it crashed into some trees around 3:20pm just west of Interstate 95 on property owned by Kirkland Sod.
The report noted that the helicopter – the oldest of the 2 in VCMC’s fleet – was destroyed in the crash and did not make note of any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the crash.
Investigators didn’t say directly in the report that Hayes was at fault, but it did show that Hayes – who was hired by the county in March – had just finished spraying a field and was making a 270 degree turn to the right to spray another field when the accident happened.
Hayes told NTSB that he “glanced” over his left shoulder during the turn to find a reference point for lining up the helicopter and it was after he faced forward again that he saw a group of approximately 30-foot-tall trees directly in front of him.
The report showed Hayes tried to climb over the trees in front of him but wasn’t able to do it fast enough to avoid impact, sending the helicopter to the ground, where it came to rest on its left side.
Parts of the helicopter – including the tail boom, tail rotor and one of the main rotor blades – separated from the helicopter during the crash. That rotor blade was found around 250 feet from the rest of the wreckage, according to NTSB.
Following the crash, Hayes’ bosses at Mosquito Control ordered him to call 911 so that rescuers could ping his cell phone for an exact location.
Air One – the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office helicopter – had to fly into the area to pull Hayes out because paramedics weren’t able to gain access on the ground.
Hayes was bleeding but conscious the entire time and was able to walk to paramedics following the crash. He was discharged from HHMC soon afterward.
Since the crash, Hayes has not been allowed to fly VCMC’s other helicopter, though county officials say he’s on desk duty. A second pilot should be hired soon.
Photo above of the actual helicopter pre-crash is courtesy of Volusia County.
Brian Hayes (photo courtesy of Volusia County)
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