Accident Details
On December 23, 2012, at approximately 1030 central standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registered as N27AT, sustained substantial damage during a landing at a private residence near Corcoran, Minnesota. The tail rotor and main rotor struck a parked trailer, causing the helicopter to catch fire and burn. The helicopter was damaged in multiple areas, including the structure supporting the main rotor gearbox, the tail boom, the main rotors, the main rotor gearbox, and the cabin. The pilot, who was also a registered owner of the aircraft, received minor injuries. The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight and originated from a private heliport near St. Michael, Minnesota, about 1025. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the landing was intended for a large concrete pad on his son's property, which had been poured for a future building. Tarps covered the northern half of the pad, held down by boards and stones. A trailer was parked on the west side of the pad. The pilot chose to land on the southeastern part of the pad, approaching from the north. During the approach, he hovered about 10 feet above the ground to check if the tarps would be affected by the helicopter's downwash. He then proceeded with a normal landing. As he prepared to shut down, the helicopter rotated 30 to 40 degrees counterclockwise. Despite corrective pedal input, the rotation continued, completing about three full revolutions. The tail boom and main rotors then struck the trailer parked near the west end of the pad. The main rotor gearbox separated and came to rest in the passenger seat. Fuel tanks ruptured, and a fire erupted. The pilot extricated himself from the burning helicopter and removed his clothing, which was on fire. He suffered burns to his face and head and experienced soreness for several days after the accident.
Examination
Examination of the accident scene revealed several cuts in the tarps covering the northern half of the concrete pad. The location of the cuts corresponded to where the tail rotor would have been during the described landing. The area to the south of the pad was clear of obstructions. Examination of the helicopter and its control systems found no preimpact anomalies; however, the examination was limited due to extensive damage from the impact and subsequent fire.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot reported the wind as variable at 2 knots.