Robinson R44 Raven II, N202SM: Accident occurred June 10, 2021 in Reserve, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

State Machinery and Equipment Acquisition LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N202SM

Location: Reserve, LA

Accident Number: CEN21LA284

Date & Time: June 10, 2021, 15:15 Local

Registration: N202SM

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 10, 2021 at 1515 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N202SM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Reserve, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he made a right 90° hover-turn from the taxiway to the runway. He increased engine power and started the takeoff sequence. When the helicopter was about 10 ft off of the ground, the engine power reduced dramatically. The helicopter touched down hard onto the runway surface with its right side low. The right landing skid collapsed, and the helicopter slid off the runway surface onto the grass. During the accident sequence, the helicopter’s lower fuselage structure was substantially damaged.

The helicopter was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY

Registration: N202SM

Model/Series: R44 II

Aircraft Category: Helicopter

Amateur Built: No

Operator:

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPS,6 ft msl

Observation Time: 15:15 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C /21°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 240°

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Reserve, LA

Destination: Reserve, LA

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries:

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 30.08747,-90.58283 (est)