Incident Details
On March 28, 2010, at about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration N72377, ditched in the ocean near Miami Beach, Florida, after experiencing a low main rotor RPM event. The helicopter was operated by Helicopter Academy and was conducting a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
According to the pilot, they were taking photographs of boats approximately 2 miles from the shore of Government Cut. After completing a 180-degree turn at about 100 feet above the water, the low main rotor RPM horn sounded. The pilot adjusted the throttle, and the rotor speed recovered for about 3 seconds before the condition reoccurred. The pilot then entered an autorotation. During the flare, the helicopter's tail contacted the water, causing it to spin uncontrollably to the right. Both occupants evacuated the helicopter moments before it sank in waters with ocean floor depths estimated between 150 and 250 feet. The helicopter was not located or recovered.
Rescue and Survivor Equipment
The passenger's life vest functioned properly, but the pilot's life vest did not inflate at the time, although it operated when tested later. The helicopter was not equipped with a pyrotechnic signaling device, which the responding FAA inspector noted was required for the type of operation being conducted. The pilot reported being in the water for about 10 minutes before being rescued by a private boat.
Flight Information
The flight originated from North Perry Airport (HWO) in Hollywood, Florida, at approximately 1130. The helicopter was a two-place, two-bladed single main rotor, single-engine aircraft with skid-type landing gear. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320-B2C engine rated at 160 horsepower. A review of maintenance records by the FAA inspector revealed no discrepancies prior to the flight.
Pilot and Passenger Details
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with a helicopter rating and a flight instructor certificate for helicopters. He obtained an FAA second-class medical certificate on February 2, 2010, and reported 790 total flight hours at the time of the accident. The passenger held a private pilot certificate with a helicopter rating and an FAA second-class medical certificate issued on June 15, 2009, with no limitations. The passenger reported 115 total flight hours.
Weather and Performance Considerations
The closest official weather observation was from Miami International Airport (MIA), 13.5 miles west of the accident site. At 1153, the METAR reported winds from 120 degrees at 13 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 1,900 feet agl, overcast at 3,300 feet agl, temperature 26°C, dew point 21°C, and altimeter 30.01 inches of mercury.
The FAA inspector reviewed the helicopter's flight manual performance section, specifically the height-velocity diagram. At the time of the incident, the helicopter was at 100 feet agl and 40 knots indicated airspeed. This combination placed it within a performance area that the manufacturer recommended avoiding.