Robinson R44 II N645JC

Summary

On 24 July 2009 at about 22:29 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N645JC, operated by Cfmc Inc, was involved in an accident near Dunedin, Florida, 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

24 July 2009 at 22:29

Classification

Accident

Location

Dunedin, Florida, United States

Coordinates

28.0303, -82.8247

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N645JC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Cfmc Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tampa → Tampa

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09LA421

Nobody was injured.

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a local sightseeing flight, while over water with adequate fuel on-board, the pilot reported that the helicopter felt sluggish. He applied forward cyclic to accelerate and maneuvered the helicopter toward the shore. He then heard the main rotor rpm warning and also reported seeing the fuel quantity light. He entered an autorotation to the water and all occupants exited the helicopter and swam to shore. The helicopter remained submerged for more than 3 days and inspection of the helicopter and engine following recovery revealed no evidence of preimpact failure of the engine or engine accessories, including the magnetos or fuel servo. No determination was made as to the reason for the reported loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.