# NTSB DFW08CA075: Robinson R-22, N120KC, Meraux, LA, March 4, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 4, 2008, 09:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Meraux, LA - Coordinates: 29.93, -89.933052 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9300&lon=-89.9331&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 30, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Baton Rouge - NTSB case key (mKey): 67605 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW08CA075 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67605/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA075 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to ensure calculate weight and balance prior to flight. A contributing factor was the prevailing gusty winds. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Aircraft capability: cG/weight distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 66 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Landing: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) ## Analysis The commercial pilot attempted to take-off with a passenger on a personal flight. As the helicopter lifted to a two foot hover the helicopter experienced a low rotor warning. The helicopter turned slowly 90 degrees to the north and then subsequently turned 720 degrees rapidly. During the attempted landing, the helicopter bounced, impacted terrain, and rolled over. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The combined weight of the pilot, passenger, and fuel on-board exceeded the maximum takeoff gross weight. In addition, winds in the vicinity of the accident site were from 280 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots. ## Factual narrative The commercial pilot attempted to take-off with a passenger on a personal flight. As the helicopter lifted to a two foot hover the helicopter experienced a low rotor warning. The helicopter turned slowly 90 degrees to the north and then subsequently turned 720 degrees rapidly. During the attempted landing, the helicopter bounced, impacted terrain, and rolled over. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The combined weight of the pilot, passenger, and fuel on-board exceeded the maximum takeoff gross weight. In addition, winds in the vicinity of the accident site were from 280 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N120KC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N120KC-2017-09-20), registration cancelled 2017-09-20, S/N 3064, built 2000 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R-22 - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-series) (registry code 41575, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 3064 - Airframe hours: 3424 - Engines: Lycoming O-360 131 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal - Departed: Meraux, LA - Destination: Meraux, LA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 43; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 1, 2007; seat: right; flight hours: 2,200 total, 100 in this make and model, 50 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 280° at 13 knots, gusting 19 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 29.94 inHg - Observed at: KNBG, 10 nm away ## 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 20080304012549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080304012549A), Mar 4, 2008: Robsin R22BETA, Meraux, LA, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot attempted to what appears an over gross takeoff in windy conditions. The helicopter was brought to a two foot hover, at which point, the pilot… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.