Accident Overview
On September 30, 2012, at 1845 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, registration N8341W, impacted Lake Nocona near Nocona, Texas. The pilot, who was not certificated, and one passenger sustained minor injuries, while a second passenger was not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Montague, Texas, at approximately 1745.
The non-certificated pilot reported to a Texas Parks and Wildlife officer that the helicopter experienced a “complete engine failure” while flying over the lake. He stated that a buzzer sounded and a flashing light on the control panel indicated a problem. The helicopter then struck the water. All three occupants exited the helicopter and were picked up by a boat and taken to shore.
Passenger Accounts
One passenger, seated in the right rear seat, stated that earlier in the day, he and the other passenger drove to a friend's house, where the pilot landed the helicopter. He consumed about six beers and did not see the pilot consume alcohol. However, in a statement to local authorities, he said “they had all been hanging out together and drinking beer before they loaded up in [the pilot's] helicopter.” During the flight, they flew for about one hour at an altitude of 40 to 50 feet above the lake just before the accident. The pilot mentioned needing to head back to have enough fuel to drop the passengers in Montague and return to the airport. This passenger reported no warning alarms but noted that something sounded different prior to impact.
The other passenger, seated in the front, consumed about six beers and estimated the others drank similarly. He stated that he did not hear any buzzers or see any flashing lights before impact.
Postaccident Findings
The pilot did not provide a statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The pilot's attorney stated there was no reason to believe a failure or malfunction of the helicopter or engine occurred. The FAA reported the pilot was issued a third-class airman medical certificate in 2008, which was subsequently revoked due to falsification of records.
A postaccident inspection revealed the right fuel tank was intact but partially pulled away from the fuselage; the left fuel tank was intact and remained attached. Both fuel tanks were empty. It was not determined if the fuel lines from the tanks to the engine were compromised. Local authorities recovered multiple cans and bottles of beer that floated out from the wreckage.