Robinson R-44 N7184M

Summary

On 6 February 2003 at about 21:45 local time, a Robinson R-44 registered N7184M was involved in an accident near Russellville, Kentucky, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 February 2003 at 21:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Russellville, Kentucky, United States

Nearest airport

None

Coordinates

36.8675, -87.9700

Aircraft

Robinson R-44

Registration

N7184M

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jeffersonville → Clarksville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

IAD03LA031

Nobody was injured.

The total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

As the pilot initiated a hover, he applied full carburetor heat, and as he raised the collective for takeoff, the carburetor heat automatically dropped. He then lowered the collective, but "failed to get the carb heat needed to maintain power." The engine began to sputter, then lost power completely. The pilot then performed a full autorotation into the lake. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunction. Additionally, the position of the carburetor heat control knob in the cockpit was extended approximately 2 inches. Temperature reported at 1655, at an airfield 25 miles to the southeast, was 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with light snow and mist. Review of an FAA carburetor icing probability chart placed the reported temperature and dew point in the "serious icing at cruise power" area of the chart.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.