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NTSB Report
April 23, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N518SJ
Kent, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Kent, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail Number
N518SJ
Operator
Jobeco Materials
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA270
The helicopter pilot and three passengers were circling over rural terrain at an altitude of 150 feet above ground level and approximately 219 pounds overweight for the flight conditions when the pilot slowed to 10 knots with a tailwind. The helicopter began to lose main rotor rpm and the low-rotor aural warning sounded. The pilot lowered the collective in an attempt to maintain rotor rpm, but there was insufficient altitude to recover. The helicopter hit the ground with the tail rotor first and the body of the helicopter landed hard and skidded forward, crushing the left skid. The main rotors flexed downward during impact and severed the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical deficiencies, and that the accident would likely not have happened if he had turned into a headwind.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot and three passengers were circling over rural terrain at an altitude of 150 feet above ground level and approximately 219 pounds overweight for the flight conditions when the pilot slowed to 10 knots with a tailwind. The helicopter began to lose main rotor rpm and the low-rotor aural warning sounded. The pilot lowered the collective in an attempt to maintain rotor rpm, but there was insufficient altitude to recover. The helicopter hit the ground with the tail rotor first and the body of the helicopter landed hard and skidded forward, crushing the left skid. The main rotors flexed downward during impact and severed the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical deficiencies, and that the accident would likely not have happened if he had turned into a headwind.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN518SJ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJobeco Materials
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0