ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Beaumont, TX — September 15, 2014
Event Information
| Date | September 15, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN14CA500 |
| Event ID | 20140918X54351 |
| Location | Beaumont, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.95083, -94.02055 |
| Airport | JACK BROOKS RGNL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss tail rotor effectiveness while attempting a taxiway side-step during landing. Contributing to the accident was another pilot's failure to ensure the runway was clear before occupying the runway for takeoff.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot's statement, he made a radio call he was entering left base of the traffic pattern for the runway. He heard another radio call for an airplane taxiing to the runway and saw the airplane approaching the run-up area. The pilot made a radio call he was turning onto final for the runway. He saw the other airplane move toward the runway hold short line and he made another announcement he was on final approach for the runway. As he approached the runway end, the other airplane "nosed over the line." During the landing flare at midfield, the other aircraft made a radio call to takeoff on the runway. The pilot attempted to depart the runway area for the taxiway. As he turned the helicopter toward the taxiway, he felt the helicopter "swing hard and turn," then begin to spin. The pilot stated he lost control and landed hard "crushing" the skids.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.