30 Apr 2009: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA — SPITZER MATTHEW

30 Apr 2009: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA — SPITZER MATTHEW

No fatalities • New Braunfels, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm during a practice autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the instructor pilot's delayed remedial action.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The instructor pilot was performing flight checks on the single engine helicopter after maintenance had been performed. The instructor pilot and private pilot on board had completed three straight-in autorotations and one 180-degree reverse direction autorotation. The instructor setup on downwind and initiated a second 180-degree autorotation. But, when the turn was almost completed, the rotor RPM started to drop. The instructor decided to initiate a power recovery go-around. Power was applied but the helicopter continued to settle and hit the ground in a level attitude. The helicopter rolled on its left side and sustained substantial damage. Both occupants exited the aircraft unassisted and were not injured. No system anomalies were revealed.

Contributing factors

  • factor Instructor/check pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Prop/rotor parameters — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 160/16kt, vis 10sm

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