On May 8, 2004, a Robinson R22 BETA (registration N215WW) was involved in an aviation accident near Genesee Depot, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper rotor RPM during the hover landing and his inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a hard landing after a loss of rotor RPM during landing. The pilot heard a low rotor RPM warning at 20 feet and attempted recovery but impacted left skid first.
Accident Details
During a landing attempt, the helicopter experienced a loss of rotor RPM, resulting in a hard landing. The pilot stated that approximately 20 feet above ground level, the low rotor RPM horn sounded along with the corresponding warning light. As the pilot lowered the collective and increased the throttle, the helicopter "settled rapidly." The pilot reported that the helicopter was too low for a successful recovery and impacted the ground left skid first.
Pilot Statements
The pilot noted, "It may have been possible that I delayed throttle governor by initially holding throttle/collective control too tightly." Additionally, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by "closer observation of [the] main rotor RPM."