Accident Details
On August 30, 2011, at approximately 1330 Alaska daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registered as N169CW, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power. The aircraft made an emergency landing about 60 miles southwest of Unalaska, Alaska. The helicopter was registered to Bering Pacific Ranches, LTD, and operated by the pilot as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had originated from Unalaska Airport around 1230.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that about 9 miles from the destination, the engine ran roughly for approximately three engine revolutions before losing total power. The pilot executed an emergency autorotation and landed the helicopter in a shallow bay, roughly 150 feet from the shoreline. Upon contacting the water, the helicopter rolled to the right and sank in shallow water. The pilot reported substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter at the operator's hangar. No mechanical anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation. The operator stated that the helicopter was to be sent to a facility for a more detailed inspection, but as of the time of reporting, no further inspection had been performed.
Weather Conditions
At 1358, the nearest weather reporting facility recorded a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 9 degrees Celsius. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, serious icing conditions existed at cruise and glide power settings.