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NTSB Report

October 14, 1994 · Robinson R22 BETA · N80546

Eunice, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 14, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Eunice, LA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N80546
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW95FA016

A doctor took off from a local hospital, and the helicopter was observed flying westbound about two blocks from the hospital. According to a witness, a loss of engine power occurred. He reported that the helicopter turned right toward a field; however, the witness indicated that the helicopter went out of control, and then crashed in a ditch next to a road. An exam of the helicopter and engine did not disclose any preimpact mechanical anomalies; however, the carburetor heat was found in the off position. The temperature and dew point were 63 and 59 degrees, respectively. According to icing probability charts, conditions were conducive for serious carburetor icing. Toxicology tests were positive for fluoxetine and norfluoxetine (Prozac). Tests of a blood specimen (clot) showed 0.2 mg/kg of fluoxetine and 0.3 mg/kg of norfluoxetine; tests of a liver specimen showed 6.2 mg/kg fluoxetine and 15 mg/kg norfluoxetine. The prescription drug, Prozac, is an antidepressant and was not approved for use while flying.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE CARBURETOR HEAT, THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM AFTER LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE WEATHER CONDITION, WHICH WAS CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICING.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 14, 1994, at 0920 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N80546, was destroyed during a forced landing near Eunice, Louisiana. The private pilot was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The pilot, who was a doctor, took off from a local hospital, and according to a witness two blocks from the hospital, was flying westbound along a road. The witness reported, "the pilot tried to keep the plane up, but something went wrong with the engine." The witness further reported the helicopter turned right towards a field, but the pilot "was unable to get the plane up so he crashed in the ditch" that parallels the road. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects prior to the flight. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Ground scars, were found on the north downslope side of a ditch that parallels a east and west oriented road. The aircraft came to rest on the road inverted 18 feet from the initial ground scars. There was a post impact fire. The transmission with the main rotor system came to rest on a station wagon 39 feet from the initial ground scar and on line with the main wreckage. A witness pulled it off the station wagon and put out the fire. The tail boom was separated from the main fuselage and was found 16 feet west of the main wreckage. See enclosed wreckage diagram for wreckage distribution details. The carburetor heat was off. Examination of the helicopter and engine did not disclose any mechanical anomalies. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The temperature was 63 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 59 at the time of the accident. According to the carburetor icing probability chart this places the airplane in the serious icing range at cruise power. The copy of the chart is enclosed with this report. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION The autopsy was performed by Emil M. Laga, M.D., New Iberia, Louisiana. Toxicological result was positive for Fluoxetine and Norfluoxetine (prozac). In the opinion of Dr. Salazar, regional flight surgeon for the southwest region, the levels of 6.2 mg/kg Fluoxetine, and 15 mg/kg Norfluoxetine detected in the liver are above therapeutic levels. The two medications described are on the Federal Aviation Administration's prohibited usage list for pilots. The manufacturer warns that these medications "may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should be instructed to observe caution while driving or performing tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity." ADDITIONAL DATA The wreckage was released to the owner's representative.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN80546
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 131
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data