N50718HELIO H 2952014-09-16 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

HELIO H 295S/N: 1268

Summary

On September 16, 2014, a Helio H 295 (N50718) was involved in an accident near Prospect Creek, AK. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, in gusty and variable wind conditions, resulting in a collision with terrain.

The pilot reported he was departing from the ramp area at the airport due to wind direction. Shortly after becoming airborne in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, a gust of wind pushed the right wing down and the aircraft momentarily flew inverted, turned 90-degrees, and then impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ANC14CA082. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N50718.

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
NTSB Number
ANC14CA082
Location
Prospect Creek, AK
Event ID
20140916X23229
Coordinates
66.813331, -150.643051
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, in gusty and variable wind conditions, resulting in a collision with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HELIO
Serial Number
1268
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
H 295

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
COPPER RIVER AIRMOTIVE LLC
Address
MILE 10 EDGERTON HWY
HC60 BOX 251B
Status
Deregistered
City
COPPER CENTER
State / Zip Code
AK 99573
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported he was departing from the ramp area at the airport due to wind direction. Shortly after becoming airborne in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, a gust of wind pushed the right wing down and the aircraft momentarily flew inverted, turned 90-degrees, and then impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC14CA082