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Helicopter Crash Following Low Rotor RPM on Departure (N8017D)

Carmel, IN, US

On July 24, 1991, a Robinson R 22B (registration N8017D) operated by Clayton W. Farrar was involved in an aviation accident near Carmel, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DELAYING REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM FOR TAKEOFF, FAILURE TO ABORT TAKEOFF AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN HELICOPTERS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot with 150 airplane hours and a new helicopter rating crashed on a sightseeing flight after witnesses noted low engine and rotor RPM during takeoff. No mechanical failure was found.

Accident Overview

A helicopter crashed upright approximately half a mile from the takeoff point after entering a steep descent. The accident occurred during the pilot's first flight since receiving a helicopter rating. Witnesses reported that the takeoff and departure were characterized by low engine and rotor RPM. Post-crash examination revealed evidence of low rotor energy. No mechanical or material failure was identified during the investigation.

Pilot Information

The pilot was an inactive private pilot with 150 hours of airplane experience. He had resumed flying with instruction and obtained a helicopter rating after accumulating 35 hours in the helicopter type. The flight was his first since the checkride date; he had rented the helicopter for a sightseeing excursion.

Witness Accounts

Multiple witnesses described the takeoff and departure as having low engine and rotor RPM. The helicopter was observed to descend steeply before impacting the ground upright about half a mile from the departure point.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of mechanical or material failure. The investigation noted that low rotor energy was evident at the time of the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1991 Robinson R 22B accident near Carmel, IN?

A private pilot with 150 airplane hours and a new helicopter rating crashed on a sightseeing flight after witnesses noted low engine and rotor RPM during takeoff. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1991 involved a Robinson R 22B, registration N8017D, operated by Clayton W. Farrar, at Carmel, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DELAYING REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM FOR TAKEOFF, FAILURE TO ABORT TAKEOFF AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN HELICOPTERS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17486. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.