Robinson R-22 N120KC

Summary

On 4 March 2008 at about 15:30 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N120KC was involved in an accident near Meraux, 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

4 March 2008 at 15:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Meraux, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

29.9300, -89.9331

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N120KC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Meraux → Meraux

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW08CA075

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to ensure calculate weight and balance prior to flight. A contributing factor was the prevailing gusty winds.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot attempted to take-off with a passenger on a personal flight. As the helicopter lifted to a two foot hover the helicopter experienced a low rotor warning. The helicopter turned slowly 90 degrees to the north and then subsequently turned 720 degrees rapidly. During the attempted landing, the helicopter bounced, impacted terrain, and rolled over. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The combined weight of the pilot, passenger, and fuel on-board exceeded the maximum takeoff gross weight. In addition, winds in the vicinity of the accident site were from 280 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.