Casualties unknown

2005-07-15: Robinson R-22 BETA II (N7514P) — Sliver State Helicopters — Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, US

On July 15, 2005, a Robinson R-22 BETA II (registration N7514P) operated by Sliver State Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the improper use of the throttle and antitorque pedal by the pilot undergoing instruction, and the inadequate supervision of the flight by the certified flight instructor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a helicopter performing a hovering autorotation impacted terrain and rolled over after the pilot undergoing instruction increased throttle instead of retarding it, leading to a right yaw and subsequent descent.

Incident Description

During a practice hovering autorotation, a helicopter impacted the terrain and rolled over. The event occurred on the third attempt at the maneuver. The pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) and a certified flight instructor (CFI) had stabilized the helicopter in a 2-foot hover.

Sequence of Events

The PUI counted down "three, two, and one" and entered the maneuver. However, he increased the throttle instead of retarding it and simultaneously added full right antitorque pedal. The helicopter began to rapidly yaw to the right. The CFI then retarded the throttle and tried to overcome the PUI's right antitorque pedal input. At that point, the helicopter was starting to descend, and the right yawing motion was beginning to slow down. As the helicopter descended toward terrain, the low rotor rpm horn and light activated. The CFI lowered the collective in an attempt to stop the descent. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter impacted the terrain and rolled over on its right side, facing 180 degrees from the initial starting point.

Damage

The resulting damage included the main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and tail boom. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050811X01230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.