Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure calculate weight and balance prior to flight. A contributing factor was the prevailing gusty winds.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot attempted to take-off with a passenger on a personal flight. As the helicopter lifted to a two foot hover the helicopter experienced a low rotor warning. The helicopter turned slowly 90 degrees to the north and then subsequently turned 720 degrees rapidly. During the attempted landing, the helicopter bounced, impacted terrain, and rolled over. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The combined weight of the pilot, passenger, and fuel on-board exceeded the maximum takeoff gross weight. In addition, winds in the vicinity of the accident site were from 280 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 4, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Meraux, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R-22
- N-number
- N120KC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.