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EC145 pilot; concerned about weather and the need to expedite departure; failed to note that the main rotor brake was engaged until after the throttles had been advanced for takeoff.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1209229 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201409 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | EC145 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 135 |
| Flight Phase | Parked |
| Route In Use | Direct |
| Flight Plan | VFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Main Rotor Brake |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Single Pilot |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100 Flight Crew Total 3000 Flight Crew Type 500 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy |
Narrative:
While waiting on hospital roof for patient and medical crew; I noticed visibility decreasing with storms to the north and south of our route of flight; both moving east. I texted the crew still in the hospital that 'we need to get going.' admittedly; I was in a hurry. I used the rotor brake on shut down; staying in the cockpit for nvg security. Once the crew arrived I started the run up; I did not brighten the cad as I normally do; missing the rotor brake caution warning. I ran the throttles to fly and didn't notice the warning until my before take off check. Too late! I learned several lessons. Always use the check list especially in a dark cockpit. Don't let weather/patient status get me in a rush. Leave my hand on the rotor brake lever until returning it to the down position. Brighten the cad (as I usually do) before any other step. No excuses; just stupidity and being human I guess.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: EC145 pilot; concerned about weather and the need to expedite departure; failed to note that the main rotor brake was engaged until after the throttles had been advanced for takeoff.
Narrative: While waiting on hospital roof for patient and medical crew; I noticed visibility decreasing with storms to the north and south of our route of flight; both moving East. I texted the crew still in the hospital that 'we need to get going.' Admittedly; I was in a hurry. I used the rotor brake on shut down; staying in the cockpit for NVG security. Once the crew arrived I started the run up; I did not brighten the CAD as I normally do; missing the Rotor Brake Caution warning. I ran the throttles to FLY and didn't notice the warning until my before take off check. TOO LATE! I learned several lessons. Always use the check list especially in a dark cockpit. Don't let weather/patient status get me in a rush. Leave my hand on the rotor brake lever until returning it to the down position. Brighten the CAD (as I usually do) BEFORE any other step. No excuses; just stupidity and being human I guess.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.