Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The line technician’s failure to remove the refueling mat from the helicopter fuselage following servicing, which resulted in the mat striking the tail rotor in flight, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On February 6, 2013, about 1750 central standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N276RC, executed an autorotation landing after a fueling mat struck the tail rotor at the Tulsa International Airport (TUL), Tulsa, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot was not injured. The tail rotor blades received substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Crumpton Aviation LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91as a business flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport (KRVS), Tulsa, Oklahoma.
After fuel servicing by fixed base operator personnel, the pilot lifted off from the ramp area and began a turn to the southwest. Climbing through 150 feet above ground level, the pilot reported a loud bang followed by loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The pilot executed an autorotation landing on a concrete ramp at the airport.
During examination of the accident site, two fractured tail rotor blades and a damaged fueling mat were found on a path between the initial liftoff point of the helicopter and its landing location. Examination of the tail rotor blades indicated that damage was consistent with contact by the fueling mat.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN13LA155