What happened
On September 10, 2012, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration N281RG, was performing a low-altitude aerial photography flight in Houston, Texas, when it impacted terrain. The flight, operated by Helicopter Services, Incorporated, had departed Baytown Airport (HP and HPY) around 1500 hours. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with 10 miles of visibility.
Several witnesses observed the helicopter maneuvering over a steel pipe yard near the accident site. One witness reported seeing the aircraft at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet, noting that it was spinning slowly around the main rotor shaft and descending vertically at approximately 70 to 80 miles per hour, appearing as though it had lost power. Other witnesses observed the helicopter at lower altitudes, between 70 and 150 feet, describing a slow vertical descent and a counter-clockwise spin. One observer noted the aircraft leaned sideways to the east before the tail swung around, leading to a rapid descent and impact.
The crash resulted in 2 fatal injuries for the pilot and the passenger. Following the impact, a large post-impact fire occurred, which was partially contained by witnesses using fire extinguishers before the fire department arrived.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage of N281RG, which came to rest upright on a dirt road. The cockpit area had been largely consumed by fire. While electronic devices and a camera bag were recovered near the collective, thermal damage prevented data retrieval.
Mechanical examination of the engine and airframe revealed the following:
- The fuel system, including the main and auxiliary tanks, showed evidence of thermal damage and punctures from the impact.
- The carburetor heat control was unlocked and raised approximately one inch.
- The clutch annunciator light filament showed stretching, indicating the light was on at the time of impact.
- The engine could not be manually rotated by the front sheave, though it could be rotated by removing the accessory housing.
- No mechanical malfunctions or failures were found in the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation.
- While weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing, the investigation could not confirm if icing was the cause of the power loss.
Findings
- The engine stopped producing power during the low-level flight.
- The pilot failed to maintain control of the helicopter following the loss of engine power.
- The specific reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined due to the lack of identifiable mechanical anomalies.