ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Caldwell, ID — August 13, 2015
Event Information
| Date | August 13, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA224 |
| Event ID | 20150817X35859 |
| Location | Caldwell, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.64194, -116.63583 |
| Airport | CALDWELL INDUSTRIAL |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER |
| Model | R22 BETA |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The helicopter flight instructor's delayed remedial action during an autorotation resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
Full Narrative
According to the flight instructor, while performing a simulated, right turn, 180 degree autorotation the helicopter impacted the ground and rolled over. The flight instructor stated that at 200 feet AGL, the low rotor RPM horn sounded, and he and the student pilot "attempted a recovery." The flight instructor reported that after hearing the low rotor RPM horn, but prior to impact, "a loud thumping noise could be heard and a violent shake in the cyclic could be felt." He stated that he chose to level the helicopter before it impacted the terrain and rolled. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage and tail boom.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to flight that would have prevented normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.