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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 15, 1994 · Robinson R-22 · N8029Z

Raynham, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Raynham, MA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N8029Z
Operator
B & a Leasing
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA100

WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT 500 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE ENGINE HAD A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A RAPID RISE IN THE OIL TEMPERATURE, CYLINDER HEAD TEMPERATURE, AND MANIFOLD PRESSURE. HE STATED THE RPM'S BEGAN TO DECREASE SO HE INITIATED AN EMERGENCY DESCENT TO LAND. HE STATED ABOUT 100 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, TOTAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED AND HE DID AN AUTOROTATION LANDING. THE PILOT STATED THAT DUE TO IRREGULAR TERRAIN AT THE LANDING SITE, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES FLEXED DOWN AND CONTACTED THE TAIL BOOM. THE EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AND THE NUMBER FOUR PISTON RINGS WERE BROKEN.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the number four cylinder piston rings.

Full Narrative

On June 15, 1994, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R- 22, N8029Z, lost total engine power while in cruise flight. An emergency landing was made and the helicopter was substantially damaged during the landing. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and location of the accident. The business flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that the helicopter was about 500 feet above the ground when he noticed a rapid rise in the oil temperature, cylinder head temperature, and manifold pressure. He stated that the revolutions per minute (RPM) were decreasing. He stated he started to make an emergency descent and at 100 feet above the ground the engine lost total power. The pilot stated, "I initiated auto rotation at that point. Irregular terrain at the landing site caused the main rotor blades to flex down and contact the tail boom." Examination of the helicopter at the accident site revealed the tail boom was severed about 33 inches in front of the tail rotor gear box. Fuel was found throughout the fuel system. According to the pilot, the engine was to receive a major overhaul in about 46 hours. The engine was examined by the owner/operator without the permission or supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board. According to the owner of the helicopter, metal shavings were found throughout the engine and the number four piston lands and rings were broken. The failure mode of the engine was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN8029Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorB & a Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data