Robinson R44 N8356C

Summary

On 5 November 2007 at about 19:15 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N8356C, operated by Fly-N-Dollar, was involved in an accident near Jamestown, Tennessee, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 November 2007 at 19:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Jamestown, Tennessee, United States

Coordinates

36.4256, -85.0572

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N8356C

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Fly-N-Dollar

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jamestown → Livingston

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC08FA026

3 people died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during takeoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter had performed two approaches to the creek bed earlier in the day. The creek bed was bordered by wooded, steep terrain on both sides, and a four-strand set of power lines crossed the creek perpendicular to the direction of travel. The wires and their proximity to the landing site in the creek were discussed with the pilot, both by passengers in the helicopter while in flight and with witnesses around the landing site. During the third takeoff from the creek bed, the helicopter climbed beneath the wires, and then reversed direction and collided with the lowest wire in the set. The helicopter then descended into the trees, collided with terrain, and caught fire. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any mechanical deficiencies. Examination of the rotorhead revealed a large diameter metal cable was coiled around the mast and swashplate, and wrapped over the rotorhead and blade grips.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.