Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Beaumont, TX — 2014-09-15

Final reportCEN14CA500
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Date
2014-09-15
Location
Beaumont, TX, USA
Airport
BPT
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N9844N
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss tail rotor effectiveness while attempting a taxiway side-step during landing. Contributing to the accident was another pilot's failure to ensure the runway was clear before occupying the runway for takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot's statement, he made a radio call he was entering left base of the traffic pattern for the runway. He heard another radio call for an airplane taxiing to the runway and saw the airplane approaching the run-up area. The pilot made a radio call he was turning onto final for the runway. He saw the other airplane move toward the runway hold short line and he made another announcement he was on final approach for the runway. As he approached the runway end, the other airplane "nosed over the line." During the landing flare at midfield, the other aircraft made a radio call to takeoff on the runway. The pilot attempted to depart the runway area for the taxiway. As he turned the helicopter toward the taxiway, he felt the helicopter "swing hard and turn," then begin to spin. The pilot stated he lost control and landed hard "crushing" the skids.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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