Casualties unknown

2000-12-11: Robinson R22 (N411MJ) — Volar Helicopters Inc. — Marathon, FL

Marathon, FL, US

On December 11, 2000, a Robinson R22 (registration N411MJ) operated by Volar Helicopters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Marathon, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The certified flight instructors disregard of an FAA weather forecast stating VFR flight not recommended resulting in VFR flight into known instrument flight conditions, loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and subsequent in-flight descent… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A certified flight instructor attempted VFR flight without a weather briefing, encountered instrument conditions, landed on an island, then received a briefing advising against VFR flight. He later attempted flight again, became spatially disoriented, and the helicopter descended into the Atlantic Ocean.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) initiated a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight to a destination airport without first obtaining a weather briefing. During the flight, the CFI encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and subsequently landed the helicopter on an island.

Weather Briefing

After landing, the CFI contacted an FAA Automated Flight Service Station and received a standard weather briefing. The forecaster explicitly stated that VFR flight was not recommended due to the prevailing conditions.

Subsequent Flight and Collision

Believing that the adverse weather had moved through his location, the CFI attempted to continue the flight under VFR. He again encountered instrument flight conditions. In an effort to reverse course, the CFI became spatially disoriented. As a result, the helicopter descended and collided with the Atlantic Ocean.

No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or outcome were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001218X45442. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.