# NTSB MIA96LA090: Helio H-295, N68883, Key West, FL, March 3, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 3, 1996, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC) - Place: Key West, FL - Coordinates: 24.550703, -81.780212 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=24.5507&lon=-81.7802&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 9, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 37987 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA090 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37987/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA090 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during lift-off, which resulted in the right wingtip contacting the runway. The gusty crosswind was a related factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot was taking off on runway 9. He stated that after the airplane became airborne, a strong gust of wind from the left caused it to roll to the right. The right wing tip contacted the runway followed by the left wing tip. The airplane then pivoted on the left wing tip, and the pilot reduced the throttle after rolling to a wings level attitude. The airplane came to rest upright on a taxiway. A weather observation taken about 11 minutes after the accident indicated the wind was from 030 degrees at 13 knots with gust to 21 knots. ## Factual narrative On March 3, 1996, about 0945 eastern standard time, a Helio Aircraft H-295, N68883, experienced an in-flight loss of control shortly after takeoff from the Key West International Airport, Key West, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that after the airplane became airborne, a strong gust of wind from the left caused the airplane to roll to the right. The right wing tip then contacted the runway followed by the left wing tip. The airplane pivoted twice on the left wing tip and the pilot reduced the throttle after rolling to a wings level attitude. The airplane came to rest on a taxiway. A weather observation taken about 11 minutes after the accident indicates that the wind was from 030 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 21 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N68883](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68883), registered now, S/N 1477, built 1974 (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: 1477 - Airframe hours: 2213 - Engines: Lycoming GO-480-G1A6 295 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert T. Vincent - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 12, 1995, 15 hours before - Departed: EYW - Destination: LEE, LEESBURG, FL - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: EYW, Keywest International, runway 9, 4,800 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 721 total, 641 in this make and model, 721 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 30° at 13 knots, gusting 21 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 8,500 ft overcast - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: EYW ## 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 19960303003439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960303003439A), Mar 3, 1996: Helio H295, Key West, FL, Substantial damage. Dragged both wings on runway on lift off in gusty crosswind. Pilot late on recovery from wind gust. ## Other investigations on N68883 (1) 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 CHI81FEI12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81FEI12), Mar 22, 1981: Helio H-295 (N68883), Youngstown, OH, minor 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. --- 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.