Robinson R22 BETA N281RG

Summary

On 10 September 2012 at about 20:45 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N281RG, operated by Helicopter Services Inc, was involved in an accident near Houston, Texas, 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

10 September 2012 at 20:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Houston, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

None

Coordinates

29.7847, -94.9514

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N281RG

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Helicopter Services Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Baytown → Baytown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN12FA621

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter after a loss of engine power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded operation.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot and his passenger were conducting a low-level aerial photography operation in a helicopter when the engine stopped producing power. Several witnesses observed the helicopter descend vertically to the ground as the body of the helicopter spun to the left around the main rotor blades. A postimpact fire consumed most of the helicopter. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at cruise and glide power settings, the investigation could not conclusively determine that carburetor ice caused the loss of engine power. The cause of the power loss could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.