Summary
On June 12, 2016, at approximately 1530 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter (N789MR) crashed during takeoff from Classic Airstrip (23AR) near Jonesboro, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed by impact and subsequent ground fire. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight in day visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed.
History of Flight
A witness visiting an airstrip west of 23AR reported seeing the accident pilot before noon drinking from a red cup that smelled like alcohol. The pilot refilled the cup two or three times over the next two to three hours. Later, the witness heard the pilot say he was going to put on an airshow. The witness observed the pilot enter the helicopter, which then lifted off at a 45° angle backward and upward, rising to about 125 ft. The helicopter descended out of sight behind hangars, then rose again, spinning. The witness noted that the tail rotor appeared inoperative and the skids were bent, as if the helicopter had struck the ground. The helicopter descended a second time, impacted terrain, and burst into flames in the middle of the west airstrip. Another witness called 911.
Personnel Information
The 73-year-old pilot held an FAA commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land, rotorcraft helicopter, rotorcraft gyroplane, and instrument airplane ratings, as well as a flight instructor certificate. He held a second-class medical certificate issued May 1, 2014, with the limitation requiring corrective lenses and glasses for near and intermediate vision. He reported 6,000 total flight hours, with 110 hours in the preceding six months. Logbook excerpts showed no entry for a flight review, and the last entry was dated August 2, 2015.
Aircraft Information
N789MR (serial number 10561) was a Robinson R44 II Raven helicopter with a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 engine rated at 260 hp (takeoff rating 245 hp per type certificate). The helicopter's last annual inspection was completed July 2, 2015, at 1,242.1 total hours. A review of logbook excerpts revealed no entry for installation of bladder fuel tanks as required by Robinson Service Bulletin SB-78B, which mandates retrofitting R44 helicopters with bladder-type tanks to improve post-accident fuel leak resistance.
Meteorological Information
At 1538, weather recorded at Jonesboro Municipal Airport (5 miles west of 23AR) included wind 090° at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, thunderstorms in the vicinity, temperature 34°C, dew point 21°C, and altimeter 30.02 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The main wreckage was located approximately 1,800 ft on a magnetic heading of 35° from the intersection of Highway 18 and Barnhill Road. A circular area of turf was charred. The tailcone was folded left and separated near its forward end. The main rotor gearbox and blades separated from the airframe. Tail rotor blades were found separated near their roots east of the airframe, with ground scars consistent with blade strikes. The engine exhibited thermal damage, but continuity and compression were confirmed, with no preimpact anomalies detected in the flight control system. The fuel mixture control was found in the full rich position.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy by the Arkansas State Crime Lab determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, with the manner of death ruled an accident. No significant natural disease was noted. Toxicological testing detected ethanol in blood (418 mg/dL), heart (336 mg/dL), lung (309 mg/dL), kidney (182 mg/dL), and urine (152 mg/dL). Diphenhydramine was found in urine and blood (0.049 ug/mL). Pioglitazone and valsartan were also detected. The pilot's FAA medical records indicated no reported chronic conditions or medication use.