No fatalities

16 Sep 2014: HELIO H 295 NO SERIES — JESPERSEN AIRCRAFT SERVICES INC — Prospect Creek, AK

Prospect Creek, AK, United States

On 16 Sep 2014, a HELIO H 295 NO SERIES operated by JESPERSEN AIRCRAFT SERVICES INC was involved in an aviation accident near Prospect Creek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, in gusty and variable wind conditions, resulting in a collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A gust of wind caused a tailwheel-equipped airplane to become inverted and impact terrain shortly after takeoff from a ramp area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no mechanical anomalies were reported.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the departure was from the ramp area of the airport, chosen due to wind direction. Shortly after becoming airborne, a gust of wind pushed the right wing downward, causing the aircraft to momentarily fly inverted. The airplane then turned approximately 90 degrees and impacted the terrain.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left and right wings and the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft Characteristics

The airplane involved was equipped with a tailwheel configuration.

Environmental Conditions

Wind conditions included a gust that affected the aircraft shortly after liftoff. No further details about wind speed or direction were provided.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome