The National Transportation Safety Board released report on helicopter crash

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — The National Transportation Safety Board released their preliminary report about a Novant Health Airlink Helicopter rash that occurred in late February.

According to a report, the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. February 24th near the New Hanover/Pender county line.

The pilot is an Apollo Medflight employee, while two Novant Health employees were on board; a registered nurse and a paramedic.

The report says that shortly after reaching one thousand feet, the pilot’s night vision goggles came off the visor of his helmet.

At some point, the goggle case rolled off his lap to the left and he reached for it. As he did, the chopper pitched violently forward and started going down.

The pilot tried to regain control, but the helicopter went into the trees, dirt and water.

When they came to rest, the helicopter was on its left side.

Click here for the full release.