Helicopter impact on airport ramp following low rotor RPM

Casualties unknown • Broomfield, CO, US

A helicopter experienced a sudden loss of rotor RPM and an uncontrolled rotation during a normal approach, resulting in an impact on an airport ramp.

What happened

During a normal approach, the pilot observed a slight rotor droop. Following this observation, the tail of the helicopter snapped to the left, and the aircraft began rotating clockwise. At this time, the low rotor RPM warning activated.

In an attempt to reduce the descent rate, the pilot pushed the cyclic forward and applied up collective. However, the pilot reported being unable to apply additional forward cyclic input because other aircraft were operating in the nearby vicinity. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ramp in an upright attitude. The impact caused the right skid to collapse further than the left skid, and the tail rotor struck the ground, resulting in a cracked tail boom.

Findings

The investigation determined that the impact resulted in the collapse of the right skid and damage to the tail boom.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced low rotor RPM and an uncontrolled clockwise rotation during approach, leading to an impact on the ramp.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-06-26 Schweizer 269C accident near Broomfield, CO?

A helicopter experienced a sudden loss of rotor RPM and an uncontrolled rotation during a normal approach, resulting in an impact on an airport ramp.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-06-26 involved a Schweizer 269C, registration N308BP, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced low rotor RPM and an uncontrolled clockwise rotation during approach, leading to an impact on the ramp.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050725X01089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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