Robinson R22 BETA N80750

Summary

On 6 September 1996 at about 20:45 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N80750, operated by Jerry A. Satterfield, was involved in an accident near Loreauville, Louisiana, United States. One person was 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

6 September 1996 at 20:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Loreauville, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

30.0708, -91.6707

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N80750

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Jerry A. Satterfield

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW96LA378

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopter. A factor was the high density altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The weather was 'hot, very humid, with no wind,' and during the attempted takeoff from the transport trailer, the helicopter 'couldn't get any lift.' The helicopter descended and impacted the terrain separating the tailboom. The pilot did not calculate the weight and balance, nor determine the performance data for the existing conditions. The weight of the helicopter at the time of the accident was estimated at 1,384.8 pounds, and the density altitude was approximately 2,400 feet. The maximum gross weight of the helicopter was 1,370 pounds. According to the manufacturer's performance charts, with the helicopter at the above weight and density altitude, it was not capable of hovering out of ground effect.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.