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.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov