ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Cypress, TX — February 6, 2009
Event Information
| Date | February 6, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA157 |
| Event ID | 20090209X44415 |
| Location | Cypress, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.08583, -95.59917 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
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 | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and the instructor's delayed remedial action.
Full Narrative
While performing a 180-degree autorotation, the student pilot raised the collective in order to maintain the rotor rpms within normal parameters. At approximately 250 feet above ground level, the rotor rpm was allowed to decay to 95% at which time the helicopter began to sink. The lowest observed rpm was 85%. The certified flight instructor took control of the helicopter, but could not recover prior to impact with terrain. The helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its left side. Substantial crushing damage was sustained to the fuselage. Winds at the time of the accident were 190 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 30 knots.
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.