What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-06-12 involved a Robinson R22 BETA, registration N7198H, at Houston, TX.

Tail Boom Separation During Autorotation Training Landing (N7198H)

On June 12, 2003, a Robinson R22 BETA (registration N7198H) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM and the improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing high winds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a flight training exercise, a helicopter experienced a hard landing and tail boom separation after a simulated engine failure autorotation into strong winds.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and student pilot were conducting a pipeline patrol flight and returning to DWH airport. The instructor reduced the throttle to flight idle to simulate a loss of engine power. The student pilot responded by lowering the collective and initiating an autorotation toward an open field, with the helicopter oriented into a prevailing strong southerly wind.

Autorotation and Landing

During the autorotation, a high rate of descent developed. As the helicopter neared the ground, the landing was hard, causing the helicopter to bounce. The impact forces resulted in the separation of the tail boom from the fuselage.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the accident, wind was reported from 180 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts to 21 knots.

Post-Incident Actions

The investigator-in-charge (IIC) made repeated attempts to obtain a completed Pilot Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot, but the pilot never returned the form.

2003-06-12: Robinson R22 BETA (N7198H) — Houston, TX