Robinson R44 N8341W

Summary

On 30 September 2012 at about 23:45 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N8341W, operated by Darren L Fenoglio Inc, was involved in an accident near Nocona, Texas, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 September 2012 at 23:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Nocona, Texas, United States

Coordinates

33.8817, -97.6522

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N8341W

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Darren L Fenoglio Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Montague → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN12LA669

2 people had minor injuries.

The noncertificated pilot’s operation of the helicopter, which resulted in impact with the water.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot was flying the helicopter at an altitude of 40 to 50 feet. The pilot commented to the passengers that he was concerned about the amount of fuel remaining onboard, then the helicopter impacted the water. Although the pilot reported a flashing light on the control panel and a buzzer indicating there was a problem with the helicopter, neither passenger reported seeing any warning lights or hearing any alarms before the impact. According to Robinson Helicopters, the aural warning is loud enough that anyone in the helicopter would hear it. A postaccident inspection revealed that both fuel tanks were empty but it could not be determined if the fuel lines were intact. Both passengers reported drinking alcohol prior to the accident and the passengers provided conflicting reports to local authorities as to whether the pilot had consumed alcohol prior to the flight. The pilot was taken to his father’s residence immediately following the accident, prior to the arrival of local authorities. The pilot subsequently refused to speak with the local authorities when they arrived at the residence. Multiple cans and bottles of beer were recovered from the accident site. The pilot’s attorney reported that there was no reason to believe there was a failure or malfunction of the helicopter airframe or its engine prior to the impact.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.