Robinson R22 BETA N2329K

Summary

On 19 April 1996 at about 20:00 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N2329K, operated by Jerry Satterfield, was involved in an accident near Franklin, Louisiana, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 April 1996 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Franklin, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

29.7994, -91.5100

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N2329K

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Jerry Satterfield

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW96LA175

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's poor judgment in attempting to refuel the helicopter with the engine (and rotors) operating. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty wind condition, and close proximity of the vehicle that was allowed to be driven under the turning rotors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter returned to his point of departure to pick up some equipment. While there, he elected to refuel the helicopter. A pick-up truck, equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank, was driven to the right side of the helicopter, under the turning rotors, to refuel while the engine was running. The pilot stayed at the controls of the helicopter. Just prior to the start of the refueling operation, a gust of wind caused the main rotor blades to flex and impact the top of the truck's cab. The winds were reported from 170 degrees at 18 gusting 25 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.