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NTSB Report

February 6, 2010 · Enstrom F-28C · N426KA

Fort Pierce, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fort Pierce, FL
Aircraft
Enstrom F-28C
Tail Number
N426KA
Operator
Theriault Richard C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA134

According to the pilot, he hover-taxied the helicopter downwind in an 18-knot wind that gusted to 26 knots, before he landed and purchased fuel. For the subsequent takeoff, he again hover-taxied downwind to his requested runway. He said the winds were exacerbated either by gusts or a "wind tunnel" effect from two rows of hangers. As the helicopter hovered downwind, the pilot was unable to arrest his descent, forward travel, or a loss of rotor rpm with the adjustment of throttle, collective, and cyclic controls. The helicopter continued over and descended into a drainage "lagoon" before it struck the opposite bank and nosed over. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter. According to the FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, among the conditions conducive to settling with power are downwind approaches at low forward airspeed.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he hover-taxied the helicopter downwind in an 18-knot wind that gusted to 26 knots, before he landed and purchased fuel. For the subsequent takeoff, he again hover-taxied downwind to his requested runway. He said the winds were exacerbated either by gusts or a "wind tunnel" effect from two rows of hangers. As the helicopter hovered downwind, the pilot was unable to arrest his descent, forward travel, or a loss of rotor rpm with the adjustment of throttle, collective, and cyclic controls. The helicopter continued over and descended into a drainage "lagoon" before it struck the opposite bank and nosed over. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter. According to the FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, among the conditions conducive to settling with power are downwind approaches at low forward airspeed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:19 EST
Nearest AirportSt. Lucie County International (1nm)
Runway32
Runway Length4755 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom F-28C
Tail NumberN426KA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTheriault Richard C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 17 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 55
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data