# NTSB DEN88LA123: Helio H-295, N6454V, Encampment, WY, June 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1988, 17:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Encampment, WY
- Coordinates: 41.199409, -106.789093 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1994&lon=-106.7891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17476
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17476/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA123

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE CALCULATED THE DENSITY ALTITUDE TO HAVE BEEN 11,300 FT AT TAKEOFF. HE SAID THE ACFT WAS NEAR MAX GROSS WT AND THAT THE GRASS STRIP HE DEPARTED FROM WAS APPROX 1,500 FT LONG. THE PLT STATED 'I WAS ON THE ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE PWR CURVE AS ALWAYS WITH A STOL TAKEOFF.' THE ACFT WOULD NOT CLIMB HIGHER THAN 50 FT AGL AFTER TAKEOFF. THE PLT DECIDED TO EXECUTE A 'CONTROLLED CRASH.' THE ACFT STRUCK SEVERAL TREES AND CAME TO REST IN A BEAVER POND. THE WRECKAGE WAS DESTROYED BY A POST CRASH FIRE. THE GRASS STRIP IS SURROUNDED BY TREES AND HIGH MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6454V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6454V), registered now, S/N 1406 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HELIO H-295
- Registry model: [Helio H-295](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-h-295) (registry code 4300802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-480-series) (registry code 41527, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1406
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-480 295 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Rory Mcfarland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ENCAMPMENT, WY
- Destination: 1V5, BOULDER, CO
- Airport: Mill Creek Strip, runway 27, 1,500 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 500 total, 300 in this make and model, 50 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880605049289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880605049289A), Jun 5, 1988: Helio H295, Encampment, WY, Destroyed. Unable to climb after takeoff. Crashed into trees. High density altitude.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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