On 30 Jan 2013, a ROBINSON R22 BETA operated by Hawaii Pacific Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kona, HI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm during a practice autorotation and the flight instructor's delayed action, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During autorotation practice, the main rotor rpm decayed. The flight instructor took control but the helicopter landed hard in a nose-high attitude, resulting in structural damage to the tailboom. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Incident Overview
A helicopter accident occurred during a training flight. The pilot receiving instruction was practicing an autorotation when the main rotor rpm decayed. The flight instructor assumed control of the helicopter and attempted to correct the low main rotor rpm. Despite the instructor's efforts, the helicopter landed hard in a nose-high attitude. The hard landing resulted in structural damage to the tailboom.
Mechanical Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter's systems were functioning as expected before the incident.
Conclusion
The accident involved a loss of main rotor rpm during autorotation practice, followed by a hard landing that caused damage to the tailboom. No mechanical issues were identified.
Contributing factors
Prop/rotor parameters — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilotPilot
Related events
Same aircraft family
20 Apr 2026 — ROBINSON R22
6 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R22
2 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R22
14 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R22 BETA (ESCOLA DE AVIAÇÃO CIVIL ASAS ROTATIVAS LTDAb)