N451DB

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44S/N: 1395

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA11CA080
Location
Canal Point, FL
Event ID
20101208X83657
Coordinates
26.716667, -80.583335
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

Pilot fatigue due to lack of sleep resulting in incapacitation (falling asleep) and ground contact while maneuvering at a low altitude.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N451DB
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
1395
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2004
Model / ICAO
R44R44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BRAVO HELICOPTERS LLC
Address
14532 SW 129TH ST
Status
Deregistered
City
MIAMI
State / Zip Code
FL 33186-5305
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, the previous day he awoke about 0700, and went on duty at 1800. About 1930, he flew the helicopter on a 1-hour flight and attempted to take a nap at 2100. The nap was interrupted with noise and lights constantly being turned on and off, and he accrued no more than 1 hour of rest. At 0030, on the morning of the accident, he was called to fly for the purpose of frost mitigation. About 0540, while flying over an agricultural field about 30 feet above ground level, he began his last pass over the field, and "fell asleep." Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, rotor system, and tail boom. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. At the time of the accident the pilot had no more than 1 hour of restless sleep in the previous 22 hours 40 minutes. The pilot also reported that he did not normally fly at night.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA080