Robinson R44 II N369TL

Summary

On 19 January 2012 at about 15:01 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N369TL, operated by CENAC Marine Services, LLC, was involved in an accident near Centerville, Louisiana, 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

19 January 2012 at 15:01

Classification

Accident

Location

Centerville, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

29.5275, -91.3956

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N369TL

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

CENAC Marine Services, LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Houma → Houma

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN12FA139

2 people died.

The pilot allowed the helicopter to settle with power while maneuvering at low altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses saw the helicopter circling at a low altitude and saw the pilot wave at them. None of the witnesses saw the impact, but they heard the impact and saw smoke. They responded to the site and used portable fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire. Examination of the accident site revealed that the helicopter struck several trees and fell straight to the ground in a nose-low attitude, coming to rest on its right side. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Impact signatures were consistent with the engine developing power at impact, and it is likely that, at the time of impact, the helicopter was in a steep descent consistent with settling with power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.