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NTSB Report
November 2, 1991 · Robinson R-22B · N549SM
Riverside, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 2, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Riverside, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22B
Tail Number
N549SM
Operator
Parflite
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA034
THE SOLO STUDENT WAS PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. WHILE DOWNWIND THE STUDENT SAID THE ENGINE RPM INDICATOR SUDDENLY PEGGED AT THE TOP OF THE GAUGE AND THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN RAPIDLY DECREASING. THE STUDENT INITIATED AN AUTO ROTATION. THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER BY FAA INSPECTORS REVEALED THAT THE FORWARD DRIVE BELT WAS SPLIT LONGITUDINALLY AND DISPLACED FROM THE TRANSMISSION PULLEY. THE AFT DRIVE BELT WAS FOUND OFF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION PULLEYS. NO OTHER SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES WERE NOTED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT AND THE PILOTS FAILURE TO CORRECTLY JUDGE OF THE LANDING FLARE DURING THE SUBSEQUENT AUTOROTATION.
Full Narrative
THE SOLO STUDENT WAS PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. WHILE DOWNWIND THE STUDENT SAID THE ENGINE RPM INDICATOR SUDDENLY PEGGED AT THE TOP OF THE GAUGE AND THE ROTOR RPM BEGAN RAPIDLY DECREASING. THE STUDENT INITIATED AN AUTO ROTATION. THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER BY FAA INSPECTORS REVEALED THAT THE FORWARD DRIVE BELT WAS SPLIT LONGITUDINALLY AND DISPLACED FROM THE TRANSMISSION PULLEY. THE AFT DRIVE BELT WAS FOUND OFF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION PULLEYS. NO OTHER SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES WERE NOTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:43 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22B
Tail NumberN549SM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorParflite
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 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO