Summary
On September 06, 1996, a Robinson R22 BETA (N80750) was involved in an incident near Loreauville, LA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopter. A factor was the high density altitude.
On September 6, 1996, at 1545 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N80750, registered to a private owner and operated by Acadiana Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 137, impacted terrain during takeoff near Loreauville, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the helicopter received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW96LA378. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N80750.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopter. A factor was the high density altitude.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On September 6, 1996, at 1545 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N80750, registered to a private owner and operated by Acadiana Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 137, impacted terrain during takeoff near Loreauville, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the helicopter received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report that the weather was "hot and humid, with little to no breeze," and during the attempted takeoff from the transport trailer, the helicopter descended, "hit the ground, the main rotor blades flexed down and cut the tail off." The pilot also reported that the helicopter "couldn't get any lift."
The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he did not calculate the weight and balance, nor do any performance planning. He also reported he did not know the height above the ground or what the rotor RPM and manifold pressure indicated prior to takeoff.
Weight and balance and performance calculations were performed using figures provided by the manufacturer. The weight of the helicopter at the time of the accident was estimated at 1,384.8 pounds. The maximum gross weight of the helicopter was 1,370 pounds. According to aircraft performance charts, with the density altitude of 2,400 feet, at the gross weight of 1,384.8 pounds, the helicopter was not capable of hovering out of ground effect.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW96LA378