Robinson R44 II N382BT

Summary

On 23 April 2007 at about 01:31 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N382BT, operated by Bruce Allan Groen, was involved in an accident near Bass Lake, Indiana, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 April 2007 at 01:31

Classification

Accident

Location

Bass Lake, Indiana, United States

Coordinates

41.2336, -86.5786

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N382BT

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Bruce Allan Groen

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Knox → Bass Lake

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

CHI07FA114

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach glidepath, which resulted in a settling-with-power flight condition. Contributing to the accident was the dark night light condition.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was en-route to the pilot's residence located on a lake. The accident occurred during a dark night in visual meteorological conditions. As the helicopter crossed the lake, it was observed descending steadily towards the water, hovering for about 1-2 seconds, then falling vertically from approximately 40-50 feet into the lake. The helicopter impacted the water about 1/4 mile from the intended landing area. The pilot and his passenger survived the impact, but died of hypothermia due to their prolonged exposure to cold lake water. The investigation revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented the normal operation of the helicopter. Outside visual reference for airspeed and rate of closure may not be available at night, especially when approaching an unlighted landing area. A pilot's failure to monitor altitude, airspeed, and rate of descent during an approach can result in a settling-with-power condition. The helicopter's flight profile before impact was consistent with a settling-with-power flight condition.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.