Robinson R44 N140JM

Summary

On 30 September 2006 at about 12:30 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N140JM, operated by North State Aviation LLC., was involved in an accident near Beaufort, North Carolina, United States. 3 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

30 September 2006 at 12:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Beaufort, North Carolina, United States

Coordinates

34.5669, -76.6764

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N140JM

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

North State Aviation LLC.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

New Bern → New Bern

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL06LA133

Nobody was injured.

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that his passengers were photographing a boat off the coast of Beaufort, North Carolina. He was following the boat at 50 knots at an altitude between 100 and 150 feet AGL, when he heard a "loud pop". He immediately checked all the engine instruments and noted all indications were normal. Shortly thereafter the "Low Rotor Warning Light" illuminated and the audio horn sounded. The engine and rotor rpm began to decrease. The pilot increased the throttle, but the engine did not respond. He lowered the collective pitch control and entered an autorotation to the water. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories revealed no anomalies.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.