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NTSB Report

January 15, 2008 · Robinson R44 II · N122AA

Fenner, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 15, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Fenner, NY
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II
Tail Number
N122AA
Operator
Adkins Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08CA083

The pilot of the Robinson R44 II was on the final leg of a visual flight rules (VFR) flight when, about 18 miles from the destination airport, he obtained a special VFR clearance from the approach controller due to snow showers in the area. The clearance was later canceled by the controller due to "saturation," and the pilot was told not to enter the area, which was several miles ahead. The pilot then turned the helicopter around and entered a "near zero/zero whiteout," but during the "tight" turn the attitude indicator "tumbled." The pilot then elected to perform a precautionary landing to a plowed field below. As the helicopter contacted the ground, the skids sunk into the soft terrain, and the aft portion of the tailboom and the skids separated from the fuselage. The weather reported at the destination airport at the time of the accident included 1 1/2 statute miles visibility in light snow and mist.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed decision to perform a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in snow and the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot of the Robinson R44 II, he was on the final leg of a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. About 18 miles from the destination airport, the pilot obtained a special VFR clearance from the approach controller due to snow showers in the area. The clearance was later canceled by the controller due to "saturation," and the pilot was told not to enter the area, which was several miles ahead. The pilot then turned the helicopter around and entered a "near zero/zero whiteout," but during the "tight" turn the attitude indicator "tumbled." The pilot then elected to perform a precautionary landing to a plowed field below. As the helicopter contacted the ground, the skids sunk into the soft terrain, and the aft portion of the tailboom and the skids separated from the fuselage. The weather reported at the destination airport at the time of the accident included 1 1/2 statute miles visibility in light snow and mist.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 EST
Nearest AirportSyracuse International Airport (18nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN122AA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAdkins Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 9 kt
Visibility1.5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data