Pilot Debrief

BRANTLY B-2B near Cedar Hill, TX — 2008-11-20

Final reportCEN09CA068
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Date
2008-11-20
Location
Cedar Hill, TX, USA
Aircraft
BRANTLY B-2B
Registration
N2180U
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to takeoff downwind. A contributing factor was the gusty conditions.

NTSB narrative

The non-helicopter-rated pilot and passenger departed downwind for a local flight. Once above the surrounding obstacles, the helicopter began to settle. Unable to arrest the rate of decent, the pilot elected to land in an empty industrial park lot. The helicopter experienced a hard landing and rolled on to its side. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the helicopter unassisted. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he would have observed the wind condition from an obstacle free area before departure. A weather reporting station 14 miles east of the accident site reported, wind from 360 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 23 knots.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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