Accident · 2012-06-09
What the record says
- Event date
- 2012-06-09
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- No injuries
- Aircraft
- ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (N744JS)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- S M HENTGES & SONS INC Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- S M HENTGES & SONS INC
Probable cause
The sudden decrease in headwind during takeoff in a gusty wind and near a passing train, which resulted in a loss of lift and main rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the helicopter near its maximum performance capability (near gross weight at high density altitude), which resulted in a lack of reserve power available to compensate for the wind change.
Source: NTSB case CEN12LA359Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Private | None | 57 | Class 3 (2010-11-05) | 236 total · 236 in this make/model · 73 as PIC · 51 last 90 days |
| Other flight crew | Airline transport pilot / Flight instructor / Commercial | Airplane / Helicopter | 61 | Class 2 (2011-11-02) | 30,000 total · 1,500 in this make/model · 28,000 as PIC · 100 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.