ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44

Morovis, PR — November 5, 2009

Event Information

DateNovember 5, 2009
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA10CA051
Event ID20091106X42849
LocationMorovis, PR
CountryUSA
Coordinates18.28389, -66.40139
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeROBINSON HELICOPTER
ModelR44
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None3
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s delayed attempt to go around.

Full Narrative

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot flew the helicopter to one location (about 100 feet above sea level) where three adult passengers boarded, then flew to a landing pad at an elevation of 1,391 feet above sea level. According to the pilot, after one recognition pass, she began a "confined pinnacle approach." While on short final, the pilot decided to go around and added power, but the helicopter "did not respond accordingly." The low rotor rpm horn sounded and the low rotor rpm light illuminated. The pilot noted "no airspeed, no altitude," and continued to an "emergency landing." Upon touchdown, with the right skid partially off the landing pad, the helicopter rolled over to the left, resulting in damage to the rotor system and tail boom. The pilot also stated that the winds were calm and that the outside air temperature gauge indicated 24 degrees Centigrade. She further noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.

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.

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