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NTSB Report
January 11, 1992 · Robinson R22B · N2634N
Lake Hughes, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 11, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lake Hughes, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R22B
Tail Number
N2634N
Operator
Watson Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA087
THE 77 HOUR NEWLY CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT SAID HE PERFORMED A RIGHT 180 DEGREE TURN AT ABOUT 500 FEET AGL. DURING THE TURN THE LOW ROTOR RPM WARNING HORN AND LIGHT CAME ON. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN ROTOR RPM BY MANIPULATING THE THROTTLE AND COLLECTIVE CONTROLS, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PILOT ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION, LANDED HARD AND THE MAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE HELICOPTER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM WHILE MANEUVERING AND HIS MISJUDGEMENT OF THE LANDING FLARE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.
Full Narrative
THE 77 HOUR NEWLY CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT SAID HE PERFORMED A RIGHT 180 DEGREE TURN AT ABOUT 500 FEET AGL. DURING THE TURN THE LOW ROTOR RPM WARNING HORN AND LIGHT CAME ON. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN ROTOR RPM BY MANIPULATING THE THROTTLE AND COLLECTIVE CONTROLS, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PILOT ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION, LANDED HARD AND THE MAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE HELICOPTER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R22B
Tail NumberN2634N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWatson Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 131
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO