Robinson R44 II N202SM

Summary

On 10 June 2021 at about 20:15 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N202SM, operated by State Machinery & Equipment Acquisition LLC, was involved in an accident near Reserve, Louisiana, United States. One person was 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

10 June 2021 at 20:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Reserve, Louisiana, United States

Nearest airport

Port of South Louisiana Exec (APS)

Coordinates

30.0875, -90.5828

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N202SM

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2008

Engines

1

Operator

State Machinery & Equipment Acquisition LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN21LA284

Nobody was injured.

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he started the helicopter at the refueling pad and hover-taxied to the taxiway and then onto the runway. He increased collective and started the takeoff sequence. When the helicopter was about 10 ft above the runway, and airspeed reached about 20 kts, the engine lost total power. The helicopter touched down hard onto the runway surface. The right landing skid collapsed, and the helicopter slid off the runway surface onto the grass. The helicopter’s lower fuselage structure sustained substantial damage. Examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure of the engine that would have precluded normal operation. No determination was made as to the reason for the reported loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.