Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Princeton, KY — 2021-07-16

Final reportERA21LA292
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Date
2021-07-16
Location
Princeton, KY, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N512RT
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning in that he failed to accurately determine the takeoff weight of the helicopter, which resulted in exceeding the helicopter’s maximum weight capability.

NTSB narrative

Before takeoff to spray a nearby cornfield, the helicopter was filled with about 50 gallons of spraying solution and a passenger was onboard to assist the pilot with the navigation system. According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff, the low rotor rpm warning light illuminated, and the helicopter “just wouldn’t fly.” The pilot was unable to stay aloft and made a hard landing in a field. An examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the airframe and partial separation of the tail boom. Examination of the engine and its components revealed no anomalies that would have resulted in a loss of power. The helicopter’s estimated takeoff weight was 2,641.4 lbs., which was 141.4 lbs. over its maximum gross weight of 2,500 lbs. After the accident, the pilot told his spouse that he knew the helicopter was “barely overweight but felt it would be fine.” Given that no mechanical anomalies were found, it is likely that the loss of rotor rpm was the result of operating the helicopter in an overweight condition.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have aborted takeoff due to known overweight condition.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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