Robinson R66 Helicopter Crash Near Wyoming County, Pennsylvania

On July 27, 2013, a Robinson R66 helicopter, FAA Registration No. N646AG, took off from the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott, New York, just north of the Pennsylvania border, destined for Jake Arner Memorial Airport in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. The Robinson R66 helicopter crashed in the northeastern Pennsylvania region of Wyoming County near Noxean, Pennsylvania, at approximately 10:21p.m. killing all on board.

The weather in the vicinity of the site of the crash was reported to be thunderstorms, low cloud ceilings and fog.

The pilot of the helicopter, David Jenny, did not file a flight plan, was not instrument rated and there was no record that the he obtained a weather briefing before departure, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Also killed were Bernard Michael Kelly, 58, of Ellicott City, his daughter, Leanna Mee Kelly, 27, of Savage, Carl Robert Woodland, 29, of Lovettsville, Va., and his son, Noah Robert McKain Woodland, 3.

The R66 helicopter is the latest version of the Robinson helicopter series incorporating a turbine engine manufactured by Rolls Royce. The model of helicopter in which the five were flying, the Robinson R66, had been involved in four previous fatal crashes since it was introduced two years ago, according to the NTSB’s aviation accident database. The helicopter was registered to Hampton Roads Helicopters, Inc. in Virginia.

Kreindler has had significant experience in investigating and litigating claims arising out of helicopter and fixed wing flights accidents. The firm has handled many crashes involving Robinson model helicopters, and has investigated and prosecuted many claims arising out of weather related crashes.

Kreindler Partners Dan Rose, Brian Alexander and Justin Green are investigating this crash. They are former military helicopter and fixed wing pilots.

Photo Credit: Robinson R66 helicopter, Bob Adams