# NTSB WPR14CA019: Robinson R44 - II, N414CC, Sedro Woolley, WA, October 18, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 17, 2013, 21:30 local (Oct 18, 2013, 04:30 UTC) - Place: Sedro Woolley, WA - Coordinates: 48.59, -122.256385 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.5900&lon=-122.2564&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: VFR encounter with IMC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 2, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 88211 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR14CA019 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/88211/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=88211 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA019 ## Probable cause The non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during initial climb and his improper decision to continue flight, which resulted in an in-flight impact with a tree and an emergency descent that resulted in a roll over on landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Ceiling/visibility/precip: fog](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 78 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md) - [Light condition: dark](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 448 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: weather planning](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061020): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061020/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 156 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061020/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: VFR encounter with IMC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 392 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of visual reference](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 242 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 95 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 95 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Landing: Roll over](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/097); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/097/sequence.md?model=7640122), [All aircraft, 261 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/097/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that prior to the night departure he checked the weather conditions for airports along his route of flight, each of which reported visual meteorological conditions existed. The pilot also observed that the night sky was clear during his preflight. After performing a maximum performance takeoff, and when about 65 feet above ground level, he encountered a thick layer of fog that had moved in during the 7-10 minute warm-up period and he lost all visual reference to the surrounding area. Having determined that he was able to keep the helicopter in a level attitude, the pilot decided to continue his ascent in an effort to get above the fog. A few seconds after initiating the ascent the helicopter impacted the top of a cedar tree. The pilot initiated an emergency descent and the helicopter sustained substantial damage after it impacted terrain and rolled over on its left side. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that prior to the night departure he checked the weather conditions for airports along his route of flight, each of which reported visual meteorological conditions existed. The pilot also observed that the night sky was clear during his preflight. After performing a maximum performance takeoff, and when about 65 feet above ground level, he encountered a thick layer of fog that had moved in during the 7-10 minute warm-up period and he lost all visual reference to the surrounding area. Having determined that he was able to keep the helicopter in a level attitude, the pilot decided to continue his ascent in an effort to get above the fog. A few seconds after initiating the ascent the helicopter impacted the top of a cedar tree. The pilot initiated an emergency descent and the helicopter sustained substantial damage after it impacted terrain and rolled over on its left side. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N414CC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N414CC-2019-04-22), registration cancelled 2019-04-22, S/N 13401 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBINSON R44 - II (II) - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44-ii) (registry code 7640122) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-ae1a5) (registry code 41899, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 13401 - Year built: 2013 - Airframe hours: 278 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Operator: Kurt Mayhall - Registered owner: The Time Machine LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 2013, 57 hours before - Departed: Sedro Woolley, WA - Destination: BFI, Seattle, WA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 49; injuries: none; private; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 257 total, 257 in this make and model, 159 as pilot in command, 94 in the last 90 days, 34 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark - Wind: calm - Visibility: 0 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 100 ft overcast - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.26 inHg - Observed at: BVS, 9 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 20131017020639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20131017020639A), Oct 17, 2013: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, Sedro_woolly, WA, Substantial damage. On 10/17/2013, at approximately 2130 hours PDT, Robinson R-44II helicopter, N414CC, operating under 14CFR91, crashed after encountering instrument… ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 15, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=88211. 1.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40403404&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Weather Data (item 2, .PDF, 300 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40403565&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Data-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 3, .PDF, 142 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40403406&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF 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.