Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Aguadilla, PR — 2010-08-08

Final reportERA10CA407
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Date
2010-08-08
Location
Aguadilla, PR, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N367JM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations, which resulted in the overweight helicopter's lack of hover capability out of ground effect.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff the helicopter encountered a downdraft about 20 feet above the hilltop helipad. He stated that he attempted to compensate for the wind with a collective input, but the helicopter descended and struck the downsloping hillside. The helicopter came to rest on its side and incurred substantial damage during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. Review of performance documents in the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the helicopter revealed that it was loaded 94 pounds above the maximum gross weight and 120 pounds above the maximum allowable gross weight for out-of-ground-effect hover maneuvers for the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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