Robinson Helicopter Co R66 accident near Philip, SD
On October 1, 2011, a Robinson Helicopter Co R66 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Philip, SD. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- October 1, 2011
- Place
- Philip, SD
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter Co R66 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 44.018°N, 101.634°W
- NTSB ID
- 20111001X63448
Official records · CEN12FA001
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn October 1, 2011, about 1255 mountain daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter, R66, N266CY, was destroyed during an in-flight breakup while in cruise flight near Philip, South Dakota. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by P.P. and J. LLC., of Gillette, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Gillette-Campbell County Airport (GCC), around 1105 and was en route to the Winner Regional Airport (ICR), in Winner, South Dakota. A friend of the pilot was at GCC when the pilot was preparing for the flight. The friend reported that the pilot appeared to be in good health and was excited about the flight. He further reported that the pilot had "topped off" the helicopter with fuel before departure. Approximately an hour and a half later the pilot called the friend during the flight. The pilot reported that he was between Wall, South Dakota, and Philip, South Dakota, and inquired if the Philip Airport (PHP), had jet fuel available. The friend called the pilot back a few minutes later to report that PHP did not have jet fuel. The friend stated that the pilot did not report any anomalies with the helicopter during either conversation. An eyewitness located approximately 2 miles northwest of the accident site, observed the helicopter flying from west to east, along a river, approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL). The eyewitness reported that h
Probable cause
The in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.
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Browse: South Dakota · 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.
