Sat, Jan 09, 2010
Sikorsky S-76C++ Went Down In Louisiana, Killing 8
The NTSB has released a transcript
of the CVR from a Sikorsky S-76C++ which went down in January 2009
minutes after takeoff. No probable cause has yet been
determined for the accident.
The report states that on January 4, 2009, a Sikorsky S-76C++,
registration N748P and operated by PHI as a Title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations Part 135 air taxi flight crashed into marshy
terrain approximately seven minutes after departure from Lake
Palourde Base Heliport, Amelia, Louisiana. A solid-state Penny
& Giles Multi Purpose Flight Recorder (MPFR) was recovered and
sent to the National Transportation Safety Board’s Recorder
Laboratory for readout. The transcript is from the last 17 minutes
of the 123 minutes of the recording.
The transcript depicts normal operations as the pilots go
through their checklists prior to takeoff. The recording began at
1206:19.3 and the transcript begins at 1352:20. The recording
contains events from the startup, takeoff, cruise, and accident
events. The transcript and recording end at 1409:58.2.
The first indication of any problem with the aircraft comes at
14:09:41, when the cockpit microphone picks up the sound of a bang,
air noise, and decreasing rotor and engine RPM. The co-pilot asks
"what the hell happened?" The PIC says "low rotor." The co-pilot
responded "I cannot hear you," and then the TAWS warns of proximity
to the ground. The transcript ends with a "grunting sound."
NTSB Photo
The transcript was released as part of the NTSB's complete
docket on the accident, which includes reports on the inspections
of the aircraft and witness statements. One passenger in the
helicopter survived with critical injuries. A finding of probable
cause is expected sometime later this year.
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