Flight History
On 28 May 2021, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PK-RTO, operated by PT Genesa Flight Academy, was conducting circuit flight training at Wiladatika Airport, Cibubur (WIHC), Jakarta. The weather was clear with calm wind and visibility of 5 km. At 0230 UTC (0930 LT), during daylight, the helicopter took off for circuit exercises. On the third circuit, the flight instructor took over as pilot flying and demonstrated an autorotation over water exercise. At approximately 700 feet, the instructor reduced throttle gradually and selected a lake as the landing spot. At about 50 feet, he increased throttle intending to go around, but the main rotor RPM did not increase, leading him to land on the water. The helicopter ditched and submerged in the shallow lake. The instructor and student pilot evacuated themselves through the broken windshield; no one was injured.
Personnel Information
The instructor, male, 29 years old, held a valid Commercial Pilot License and Instrument Rating, with approximately 607 hours 30 minutes of total helicopter experience. This was his first time performing an autorotation over water exercise. The student pilot, male, 45 years old, held a valid Student Pilot License and medical certificate, with about 27 hours 25 minutes of helicopter experience. He had completed his first solo flight on 27 May 2021 and was conducting pre-second solo flight training during the occurrence flight.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R44 Raven II, serial number 12127, manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company. It had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Registration, with a total time of 2,419 hours 46 minutes. The engine was a Textron Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5, installed on 6 June 2020, with 1,032 hours 7 minutes since manufacture. The helicopter was not equipped with emergency flotation devices.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The helicopter was found submerged in a shallow water lake about one nautical mile south of the runway. It had substantial damage, including a broken windshield, bent main rotor blade, damaged fuselage, and a forward-bent main rotor mast cowling.
Investigation
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) is conducting the investigation. The helicopter was not equipped with a flight recorder, but a Garmin Aera 500 GPS unit provided flight path data. The investigation is ongoing; further findings may lead to safety recommendations.