2012 Robinson R22 Beta Hard Landing in North Cascades National Park (N80140)

Incident Overview and Damage Assessment On October 3, 2012, at approximately 1340 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N80140, experienced a hard landing roughly 32 nautical miles north of Rockport, Washington, within the North Cascades National Park. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its tailboom and fuselage, though the pilot and passenger were not injured. The helicopter was registered to Emerald City Aircraft Leasing and operated by Glacier Aviation Inc. of Burlington, Washington, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which originated from Skagit Regional Airport at 1230, with no flight plan filed. ## Pilot Account and Emergency Response The pilot reported that while maneuvering, the clutch caution light illuminated and remained steady. The pilot initiated a descent and slowed the aircraft to locate a clearing in the trees. After 10 to 12 seconds, the pilot instructed the passenger to pull the circuit breaker. A clearing was spotted, but the low rotor RPM warning light illuminated and the horn sounded. The pilot lowered the collective and headed for a landing spot, flaring at 20 to 30 feet and using collective control in the final three to five feet. The helicopter landed hard in high brush surrounded by tall trees. ## Post-Accident Investigation and Wreckage Examination A National Park Service representative video-taped the accident site on October 15, 2012, and sent the footage to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge. The video revealed the helicopter in high brush, with separation of the tailboom, damage to the tail rotor blades, and buckling in several areas of the fuselage. The wreckage was relocated to a secure facility for further examination. A follow-up examination revealed additional fuselage buckling, damage to the left skid assembly, and a bent rear cross-tube. The drive belts were tight and properly positioned on both the upper and lower sheaves, with unremarkable condition. The upper sheave had light marks along its outer circumference, and the drive belt contact areas on both sheaves were unremarkable. The clutch actuator was found in the extended position, with the exposed actuator shaft measuring about 1 1/2 inches in length. The down limit screw was extended about 3/4-inches below its support bracket. ## Clutch Actuator Analysis The clutch actuator was removed and examined at the facilities of the Robinson Helicopter Company. When installed on test benches, the actuator operated normally and within limits. Disassembly revealed no anomalies. The actuator motor was removed and disassembled, revealing a damaged wiring grommet found in two parts. Dusting was visible on the interior side of both magnets and on the rotor. The brushes and commutator showed signs of normal operation, and the electrical cap assembly had dusting near the commutator area. The bearing on the output shaft side felt slightly rough when rotated by hand. No other anomalies were noted.