ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Chino Valley, AZ — March 18, 2013
Event Information
| Date | March 18, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR13CA155 |
| Event ID | 20130319X81018 |
| Location | Chino Valley, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.85222, -112.41389 |
| 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 pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during the pinnacle landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
Full Narrative
During a descent for an off airport pinnacle landing, the helicopter encountered a downdraft about 75 to 100 feet above ground level (agl), and the pilot receiving instruction, increased collective. The flight instructor instructed the pilot receiving instruction to be less aggressive using the collective as the flight continued the descent to the landing area. As the helicopter descended through about 10 to 25 feet agl, it encountered a second downdraft and the pilot receiving instruction increased collective followed by a decrease in rotor RPM. Subsequently, the flight instructor took control of the helicopter as it contacted the ground and then became airborne again. The helicopter yawned to the right, and landed upright on sloping terrain. Post flight examination of the helicopter revealed that the tailboom was structurally damaged just aft of the fuselage attach point. The pilots reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded 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.