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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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November 27, 1993 · Robinson R-22 · N8380J

Rockland, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 27, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rockland, ME
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N8380J
Operator
Woollett Bruce
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA020

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING HIS SECOND AUTOROTATION, HE REDUCED POWER AND THE LOW ROTOR RPM WARNING WAS ACTIVATED. AS THE PILOT LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE TO RESTORE RPM, THE RIGHT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER PIVOTED AROUND TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN A DYNAMIC ROLLOVER. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE, RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE REPORTED.

NTSB Probable Cause

1) THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM, 2) THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON LANDING, RESULTING IN A DYNAMIC ROLLOVER.

Full Narrative

On November 27, 1993, about 1200 hours eastern standard time, N8380J, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, operated by Bruce Woollett, Owls Head, Maine, was substantially damaged during landing at the Knox County Regional Airport, Rockland, Maine. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed from the Knox County Regional Airport and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The pilot stated that he was practicing autorotations to landing. During the second autorotation, the pilot lowered the collective and "... reduced power slightly." The low rotor RPM warning activated, so the pilot lowered the collective to restore RPM. As he performed this, the right skid of the helicopter "hit the soft ground in a slight right drift, resulting in a rollover." No mechanical malfunctions were reported. According to a FAA aviation safety inspector, the rollover caused substantial damage to the rotorblades, mast, and tail.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EST
Nearest AirportKnox County Regional (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN8380J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWoollett Bruce
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data