Robinson R44 accident near Brazos Blk 532, USA
On May 29, 2003, a Robinson R44 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Brazos Blk 532, USA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- May 29, 2003
- Place
- Brazos Blk 532, USA
- Aircraft
- Robinson R44 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 28.321°N, 95.939°W
- NTSB ID
- 20030603X00760
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 29, 2003, approximately 0400 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 single-engine helicopter, N7188K, was destroyed when it impacted the water near Brazos Block 532, in the Gulf of Mexico. The airline transport rated pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Tarlton Helicopters, Inc., Houston, Texas. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 non-scheduled, on-demand air cargo flight. The flight departed the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), near Houston, at 0320, and was destined for an offshore platform located at the Mustang Island Area East Addition, Block A-133, in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the operator, the 73-year-old pilot departed HOU with a load of parts needed at an offshore platform. The pilot estimated an en-route time of 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the 70 nautical mile flight, and estimated a total fuel on board of 2 hours and 30 minutes. After the pilot was reported missing, a search was initiated. On May 29, 2003, approximately 1100, the body of the pilot and debris from the helicopter were located by the U.S. Coast Guard, at 28 degrees 19.15 minutes north latitude, and 95 degrees 56.2 minutes west longitude. The ocean depth in the vicinity of the debris field was estimated to average from 100 to 120 feet. According to a Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) inspector, the debris that was located included two skid float assemblies, cushions, and miscellaneous items
Probable cause
undetermined, aircraft not recovered.
More accidents in USA
- Beech 58, Dec 8, 2017
- Cessna 421C, Jul 8, 2009
- Piper PA32 - 300, Oct 6, 2013
- Piper PA-23-250, Oct 13, 2012
- Cessna 177, Oct 29, 2009
Browse: United States · Robinson aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
