# NTSB ERA09CA165: Helio H-295, N99PM, Clemson, SC, February 9, 2009

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: February 9, 2009, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Clemson, SC
- Coordinates: 34.671943, -82.886947 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6719&lon=-82.8869&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 12, 2009
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 73348
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09CA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73348/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA165

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Helio H-295, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=4300802), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Helio H-295, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=4300802), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Helio H-295, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=4300802), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing-landing roll: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Helio H-295, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=4300802), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Helio H-295, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=4300802), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that while landing on runway 07 with the wind from 160 degrees at 5 knots gusting to 20 knots, he performed a wheel landing then lowered the tailwheel. As the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane yawed to the right and ground looped resulting in damage to the left wing, left aileron, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

## Factual narrative

The pilot of the Helio H-295 stated that while landing on runway 07 with the wind from 160 degrees at 5 knots with gusts to 20 knots, he performed a wheel landing then lowered the tailwheel. As the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane yawed to the right and ground looped resulting in damage to the left wing, left aileron, and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N99PM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N99PM), registered now, S/N 1208, built 1966 (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: 1208
- Airframe hours: 2469
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-480 SERIES 295 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gary Schmitt
- Registered owner: Mojoe LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 2008
- Departed: Highlands, NC
- Destination: CEU, Clemson, SC
- Airport: CEU, Oconee County Regional Airport, runway 07, 4,400 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 26, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 4,850 total, 320 in this make and model, 55 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.32 inHg
- Observed at: CEU

## 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 20090209004369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090209004369A), Feb 9, 2009: Helio H295, Clemson, SC, Substantial damage. (-23) In an attempt to land on runway 07, the pilot of aircraft N99PM encountered higher than expected winds at kceu. According to the pilot, he was coming in…

## Other investigations on N99PM (3)

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.

- [NTSB ERA11CA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA364), Jun 25, 2011: Helio H-295 (N99PM), Brasstown, NC, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB LAX78FUJ09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78FUJ09), Nov 8, 1977: Helio Acft H-295 (N99PM), Scottsdale, AZ, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC7KFNA44](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC7KFNA44), May 23, 1975: Helio Acft H295 (N99PM), Forge Village, MA, substantial damage

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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