Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado
N878BC Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Location: Loveland, CO
Date & Time: 01/26/2018, 1140 MST
Registration: N878BC
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The accident occurred when a helicopter (N878BC) and an airplane (N777YF) collided midair while on approach to the airport. The helicopter pilot intended to fly a practice instrument approach to the runway, perform the missed approach procedure, and enter the published holding pattern. The airplane pilot intended to enter the traffic pattern, with appropriate spacing, for a full stop landing on the same runway. The airplane pilot had the helicopter in sight and was following the helicopter to the runway. While on final approach, the airplane pilot thought that the helicopter had entered a hover and asked the helicopter pilot about his intentions. The helicopter pilot indicated that he would be flying the missed approach procedure and then returning to the airport, but the airplane pilot incorrectly heard the helicopter pilot's response and believed that the helicopter was going to hover near the end of the runway and then proceed to the east. As a result, the airplane pilot expected the helicopter to be east of the airport, which was a common location for local helicopter training, when the airplane would be landing; however, the helicopter was on approach to the runway at that time. During the airplane's approach, the airplane pilot lost sight of the helicopter. The airplane continued to land and collided with the helicopter.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane pilot's failure to see and avoid the helicopter while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision between the two aircraft. Contributing to the accident was the airplane pilot's misunderstanding of the helicopter pilot's intentions and the airplane pilot's expectation that the helicopter would be clear of the runway.
Findings
Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot of other aircraft (Cause)
Expectation/assumption - Pilot of other aircraft (Factor)
Understanding/comprehension - Pilot of other aircraft (Factor)
Factual Information
On January 26, 2018, about 1140 mountain standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N878BC, and a Beech A36 airplane, N777YF, collided while on approach to the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (KFNL), Loveland, Colorado. The pilot in the helicopter sustained minor injuries and the pilot and passenger in the airplane were not injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual and the airplane was owned and operated by Landsgaard Equipment Leasing LLC. Visual metrological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The helicopter departed Century Helicopters Heliport (0CO7), Fort Collins, Colorado, at 1100, and the airplane departed the Greely-Weld County Airport (KGXY), at 1110. Both intended to land at KFNL.
According to the helicopter pilot, when he approached KFNL, he announced on the common traffic advisory frequency, his intention to fly the RNAV GPS approach for runway 33. There was a National Guard UH60 helicopter flying the ILS 33 procedure. The pilots of the Guard helicopter intended to fly the ILS 33 to a missed approach, and then depart the area. The helicopter pilot informed them of his intention to perform the RNAV GPS 33 approach, perform the published missed approach procedures, and then enter the published holding pattern. He then heard the airplane pilot ask the UH60 if they intended to fly all the way to the end of the runway before turning east. They replied that they would be close to the end during the missed approach. The helicopter pilot continued the approach and the airplane pilot called that he was on the downwind, had the helicopter in sight, and would extend the downwind to give spacing. The helicopter pilot replied that he would fly the missed approach procedure and then return to the airport. The helicopter pilot heard the airplane pilot reply, "good." While descending towards the airport, the airplane pilot asked the helicopter pilot if he was stopping there, which the helicopter pilot replied that was still descending, and then intended to fly the missed approach. The airplane pilot then stated that he was passing overheard. Shortly after, the helicopter and the airplane collided.
According to the airplane pilot, he approached KFNL from the east, and announced his initial position of 6-7 miles out. He heard other traffic conducting missed approaches and reported 2 miles and 1 mile out to coordinate with the local traffic. He announced crossing the field for the left downwind for runway 33 and proceeded into the pattern. While on the downwind leg for 33 and abeam the numbers he lowered the landing gear in preparation for landing. About that time the other pilot announced a straight in approach for 33, the airplane pilot saw that the aircraft was at a higher altitude, but he could see the aircraft was coming in on the approach approximately 4-5 miles out. On the radio, the airplane pilot offered to extend the downwind leg to allow the aircraft to complete its missed approach. On the base turn to final, the airplane pilot realized that the other aircraft was a helicopter and not an airplane. The helicopter continued its approach and when it was over the airport fence, the airplane turned onto final approach. About 4 miles south of the runway the airplane pilot said he could see the helicopter hovering south of the runway threshold, about ½ to ¾ mile from the end of the runway. He queried the helicopter pilot about his intentions, and he heard the helicopter pilot say that he was going to hover for a bit and then depart to the east. The airplane pilot replied "okay" and stated that he intended to fly over him for a full stop landing. The helicopter pilot responded "okay," so the airplane pilot proceeded to land on runway 33. During the approach, the airplane pilot lost sight of the helicopter. Expecting the helicopter to remain in a hover south of the runway, the airplane continued to land, descended, and collided with the helicopter. The helicopter descended, impacted terrain, and rolled on its right side resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, and tailboom. After colliding with the helicopter, the airplane pilot saw the gear indicator show an unsafe right main landing gear. The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear and the pilot kept the right wing up for as long as possible. As the airplane slowed, the damaged right main touched down and the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in the adjacent grass.
The responding Federal Aviation Administration Inspector auditioned audio from the UNICOM frequency. He did not hear the helicopter pilot transmit that he intended to hover.
The airplane pilot stated that east of the runway 33/15 is where the local helicopter traffic usually performs their training, so he was expecting this helicopter to do the same.
History of Flight
Approach
Midair collision (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 51, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/25/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/16/2017
Flight Time: 2000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 800 hours (Total, this make and model), 2000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 102 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Registration: N878BC
Model/Series: R44 II II
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 11530
Landing Gear Type: Ski;
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/29/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 49 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1479.8 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-AE1A5
Registered Owner: MOATS JESSE R
Rated Power: 245 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFNL, 5015 ft msl
Observation Time: 1156 MST
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 246°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C / -13°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 18 knots, 330°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: FORT COLLINS, CO (0CO7)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Longmont, CO (FNL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport Information
Airport: NORTHERN COLORADO RGNL (FNL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5015 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: Global Positioning System; Practice; RNAV
Runway Length/Width: 8500 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.440000, -105.007222 (est)
N777YF Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
http://registry.faa.gov/N777YF
Accident Number: CEN18LA087B
Date & Time: 01/26/2018, 1140 MST
Registration: N777YF
Aircraft: BEECH A36
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
Analysis
The accident occurred when a helicopter (N878BC) and an airplane (N777YF) collided midair while on approach to the airport. The helicopter pilot intended to fly a practice instrument approach to the runway, perform the missed approach procedure, and enter the published holding pattern. The airplane pilot intended to enter the traffic pattern, with appropriate spacing, for a full stop landing on the same runway. The airplane pilot had the helicopter in sight and was following the helicopter to the runway. While on final approach, the airplane pilot thought that the helicopter had entered a hover and asked the helicopter pilot about his intentions. The helicopter pilot indicated that he would be flying the missed approach procedure and then returning to the airport, but the airplane pilot incorrectly heard the helicopter pilot's response and believed that the helicopter was going to hover near the end of the runway and then proceed to the east. As a result, the airplane pilot expected the helicopter to be east of the airport, which was a common location for local helicopter training, when the airplane would be landing; however, the helicopter was on approach to the runway at that time. During the airplane's approach, the airplane pilot lost sight of the helicopter. The airplane continued to land and collided with the helicopter.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane pilot's failure to see and avoid the helicopter while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision between the two aircraft. Contributing to the accident was the airplane pilot's misunderstanding of the helicopter pilot's intentions and the airplane pilot's expectation that the helicopter would be clear of the runway.
Findings
Personnel issues
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot (Cause)
Expectation/assumption - Pilot (Factor)
Understanding/comprehension - Pilot (Factor)
Factual Information
On January 26, 2018, about 1140 mountain standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N878BC, and a Beech A36 airplane, N777YF, collided while on approach to the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (KFNL), Loveland, Colorado. The pilot in the helicopter sustained minor injuries and the pilot and passenger in the airplane were not injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual and the airplane was owned and operated by Landsgaard Equipment Leasing LLC. Visual metrological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The helicopter departed Century Helicopters Heliport (0CO7), Fort Collins, Colorado, at 1100, and the airplane departed the Greely-Weld County Airport (KGXY), at 1110. Both intended to land at KFNL.
According to the helicopter, when he approached KFNL, he announced on the common traffic advisory frequency, his intention to fly the RNAV GPS approach for runway 33. There was a National Guard UH60 helicopter flying the ILS 33 procedure. The pilots of the Guard helicopter intended to fly the ILS 33 to a missed approach, and then depart the area. The helicopter pilot informed them of his intention to perform the RNAV GPS 33 approach, perform the published missed approach procedures, and then enter the published holding pattern. He then heard the airplane ask the UH60 if they intended to fly all the way to the end of the runway before turning east. They replied that they would be close to the end during the missed approach. The helicopter pilot continued the approach and the airplane pilot called that he was on the downwind, had the helicopter in sight, and would extend the downwind to give spacing. The helicopter pilot replied that he would fly the missed approach procedure and then return to the airport. The helicopter pilot heard the airplane pilot reply, "good." While descending towards the airport, the airplane pilot asked the helicopter pilot if he was stopping there, which the helicopter pilot replied that was still descending, and then intended to fly the missed approach. The airplane pilot then stated that he was passing overheard. Shortly after, the helicopter and the airplane collided.
According to the airplane pilot, he approached KFNL from the east, and announced his initial position of 6-7 miles out. He heard other traffic conducting missed approaches and reported 2 miles and 1 mile out to coordinate with the local traffic. He announced crossing the field for the left downwind for runway 33 and proceeded into the pattern. While on the downwind leg for 33 and abeam the numbers he lowered the landing gear in preparation for landing. About that time the other pilot announced a straight in approach for 33, the airplane pilot saw that the aircraft was at a higher altitude, but he could see the aircraft was coming in on the approach approximately 4-5 miles out. On the radio, the airplane pilot offered to extend the downwind leg to allow the aircraft to complete its missed approach. On the base turn to final, the airplane pilot realized that the other aircraft was a helicopter and not an airplane. The helicopter continued its approach and when it was over the airport fence, the airplane turned onto final approach. About 4 miles south of the runway the airplane pilot said he could see the helicopter hovering south of the runway threshold, about ½ to ¾ mile from the end of the runway He queried the helicopter pilot about his intentions, and he heard the helicopter say that he was going to hover for a bit and then depart to the east. The airplane pilot replied "okay" and stated that he intended to fly over him for a full stop landing. The helicopter pilot responded "okay," so the airplane pilot proceeded to land on runway 33. During the approach, the airplane pilot lost sight of the helicopter. Expecting the helicopter to remain in a hover south of the runway, the airplane continued to land, descended, and collided with the helicopter. The helicopter descended, impacted terrain, and rolled on its right side resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, and tailboom. After colliding with the helicopter, the airplane pilot saw the gear indicator show an unsafe right main landing gear. The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear and the pilot kept the right wing up for as long as possible. As the airplane slowed, the damaged right main touched down and the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in the adjacent grass.
The responding Federal Aviation Administration Inspector auditioned audio from the UNICOM frequency. He did not hear the helicopter pilot transmit that he intended to hover.
The airplane pilot stated that east of the runway 33/15 is where the local helicopter traffic usually performs their training, so he was expecting this helicopter to do the same.
History of Flight
Approach
Midair collision (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/16/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/28/2017
Flight Time: 620 hours (Total, all aircraft), 320 hours (Total, this make and model), 620 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 37 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: BEECH
Registration: N777YF
Model/Series: A36 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1989
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: E-2495
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/14/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3651 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 40 Hours
Engines: Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2540 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-550-B6F
Registered Owner: LANDSGAARD EQUIPMENT LEASING LLC
Rated Power: 200 hp
Operator: LANDSGAARD EQUIPMENT LEASING LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFNL, 5015 ft msl
Observation Time: 1156 MST
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 246°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C / -13°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 18 knots, 330°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: GREELEY, CO (GXY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Longmont, CO (FNL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1110 MST
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport Information
Airport: NORTHERN COLORADO RGNL (FNL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5015 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8500 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Minor
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.440000, -105.007222 (est)
Multiple agencies responded to a crash involving a plane and a helicopter shortly before noon Friday at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland.
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority crews responded to the crash and found a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed at the south end of the airport and a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza plane at the north end, according to Operations Chief Greg Ward.
The crash did not cause a fire, but the helicopter was leaking fluids, Ward said.
Two people were involved in the crash, one in each aircraft.
The helicopter pilot sustained injuries, Ward said, and Thompson Valley EMS transported the pilot to Medical Center of the Rockies. Airport Director Jason Licon said the injuries appeared to be minor.
"Fortunately everybody survived," Licon said.
Loveland police officers secured the area to allow the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the incident, and the airport's runways were closed during that time except to emergency traffic.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known, but the NTSB will issue a probability cause statement in the coming days, Licon said.
According to radio traffic from The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency for Northern Colorado Regional Airport, the helicopter pilot told the airplane pilot that he was conducting a "missed approach," which typically means a full-stop landing can't occur, so the pilot would be climbing along the runway heading but not landing.
A few minutes into the recording, the plane pilot can be heard saying, "Are you stopping there, helicopter? Because I'm behind you and above you."
The helicopter pilot responds, "Nope. ... I'm going to go down here, go down here two more feet, see how this is going to work, and then I'll be gone on the missed. Peddling as fast as I can."
The airplane pilot responds with "passing overhead."
Although initial reports indicated the crash occurred in midair, Ward said it later appeared that the collision occurred on the runway.
Debby Belasco, who works near the airport at Heska, said she and a co-worker saw the crash between a red helicopter and white plane occur while driving on the frontage road during their lunch break.
"They were both coming in at the same time to land," Belasco said. "I said to my friend, 'Oh my God, those two look like they're landing at the same time.'"
Belasco said it looked like the helicopter fell out of the sky, though they were both "pretty close to the ground" as the crash occurred.
Story and video: https://www.coloradoan.com
Greg Ward, operations chief with Loveland Fire Rescue Authority
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) – Firefighters responded late Friday morning to a collision on the runway at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport that serves Fort Collins and Loveland.
According to a messages tweeted by the airport, a plane and a helicopter collided on the ground at the facility. There was one person aboard each.
Airport director Jason Licon later confirmed the person piloting the helicopter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
“It could have been much worse,” Licon said.
Video from Copter4 showed the helicopter laying on its side at the edge of the runway, its tail twisted and both rotors destroyed. The plane sat in the grass off the runway farther to the north.
“Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft both use the runway,” Licon said. “Helicopters follow the same procedures, utilize the same areas. They can take off from the ramps, but during testing of their instruments for flying in bad weather, they need to use the same approach (as planes).”
However, Licon noted, “We don’t know if the (helicopter) pilot was doing that (today).”
Neither craft, Licon said, is from the area.
Personnel from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
Allen Kenitzer of the FAA said preliminary information at this time reveals the accident happened “when a Robinson R44 helicopter and a Beech BE36 Bonanza collided under unknown circumstances at the end of the runway in Loveland.”
The Northern Colorado Regional Airport re-opened at 3:48 p.m. after a closure of nearly four hours.
Story, video and photos: http://denver.cbslocal.com
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