N316LM

On June 30, 1995, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Helio H-295, N316LM, was substantially damaged during the takeoff roll, at Block Island State Airport, Block Island, Rhode Island. The airline transport pilot and five passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. There was no flight plan for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated in the NTSB form 6120.1/2:

...Takeoff to west, wind approximately 8 knots, crosswind from left. Using 18 degrees flap, locked tailwheel and left Goodyear crosswind gear locked out. Smoothly applied takeoff power....Aircraft started to track left into crosswind. Applied some right rudder. Aircraft turned 45 degrees to right. Left runway with full left rudder, aileron and left brake. Aircraft continued to turn right. Yanked off power, aircraft turned more than 180 degrees sliding sideways into drain ditch, collapsed left gear....Inspection [of] aircraft right crosswind gear appeared unlocked.

Additionally, under the section of mechanical malfunction failure, the pilot checked yes and stated, "Goodyear crosswind casting gear unlocked on right wheel and turned full right on takeoff."

The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector's statement stated,

...While attempting a...takeoff from Block Island State Airport, runway 28, the pilot...stated, a strong crosswind pushed the tail of the aircraft to the left about the time he hit rotation speed. He attempted to correct using what he described as a lot of right rudder, when the aircraft suddenly went to the right and he ground looped. [The pilot] said he remembered locking the tailwheel before beginning his takeoff roll.

The winds reported at Block Island, at 1535, were from 210 degrees at 11 knots.