# NTSB FTW96LA378: Robinson R22 Beta, N80750, Loreauville, LA, September 6, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 6, 1996, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC) - Place: Loreauville, LA - Coordinates: 30.070772, -91.6707 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0708&lon=-91.6707&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 23, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19972 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA378 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19972/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA378 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopter. A factor was the high density altitude. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause) - out of ground effect - not possible, pilot in command ## Analysis The weather was 'hot, very humid, with no wind,' and during the attempted takeoff from the transport trailer, the helicopter 'couldn't get any lift.' The helicopter descended and impacted the terrain separating the tailboom. The pilot did not calculate the weight and balance, nor determine the performance data for the existing conditions. The weight of the helicopter at the time of the accident was estimated at 1,384.8 pounds, and the density altitude was approximately 2,400 feet. The maximum gross weight of the helicopter was 1,370 pounds. According to the manufacturer's performance charts, with the helicopter at the above weight and density altitude, it was not capable of hovering out of ground effect. ## Factual narrative On September 6, 1996, at 1545 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N80750, registered to a private owner and operated by Acadiana Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 137, impacted terrain during takeoff near Loreauville, Louisiana. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the helicopter received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report that the weather was "hot and humid, with little to no breeze," and during the attempted takeoff from the transport trailer, the helicopter descended, "hit the ground, the main rotor blades flexed down and cut the tail off." The pilot also reported that the helicopter "couldn't get any lift." The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he did not calculate the weight and balance, nor do any performance planning. He also reported he did not know the height above the ground or what the rotor RPM and manifold pressure indicated prior to takeoff. Weight and balance and performance calculations were performed using figures provided by the manufacturer. The weight of the helicopter at the time of the accident was estimated at 1,384.8 pounds. The maximum gross weight of the helicopter was 1,370 pounds. According to aircraft performance charts, with the density altitude of 2,400 feet, at the gross weight of 1,384.8 pounds, the helicopter was not capable of hovering out of ground effect. ## Aircraft - Registration: N80750 (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Robinson R22 BETA - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 1316 - Airframe hours: 1977 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2C 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Operator: Jerry A. Satterfield, doing business as Acadiana Helicopters - Registered owner: Jim Howard Jr DBA - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, June 7, 1996, 25 hours before - Departed: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 7,000 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 102 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 95 °F ## 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 19960906026359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960906026359A), Sep 6, 1996: Robsin R22BETA, Coteau Holmes, LA, Substantial damage. Helicopter had insufficient power for takeoff and crashed. (-23) on September 6, 1996, at approximately 1545 central daylight time, a Robinson helicopter,… 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.