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NTSB Report

June 3, 1999 · Robinson R-22B · N221DD

Jaffrey, NH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Jaffrey, NH
Aircraft
Robinson R-22B
Tail Number
N221DD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA132

The commercial pilot was practicing autorotations to runway 34. While on final approach, the helicopter's main rotor RPM began to decrease and the pilot lowered the collective to bring the RPM back into 'the green.' When the pilot realized he was 'short' of the runway, he opened the throttle, pulled up on the collective, and attempted a go-around. However, the skids contacted the ground, 178 feet short of the paved portion of the runway. During the impact, the main rotor severed the tail boom. The pilot stated he experienced no mechanical problems with the helicopter. Winds reported at the airport at about the time of the accident, were from 290 degrees at 8 knots, with 15 knot gusts, variable between 270 and 360 degrees.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm. A factor in this accident was the crosswind condition.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 1999, about 1745 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22B, N221DD, was substantially damaged while landing at the Jaffrey Airport (AFN), Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The certificated commercial pilot, and the certificated flight instructor (CFI) were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local instructional flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot owned the helicopter and had previously received training for a flight instructor rating from another CFI. According to the commercial pilot, the CFI was acting as a safety pilot for the flight. According to the CFI, the pilot departed runway 34 at AFN, climbed to 1,700 feet, and entered the traffic pattern for a practice autorotation. When the helicopter was abeam the end of the runway, the pilot entered the autorotation. While on final approach, the wind was blowing the helicopter away from the runway. The helicopter's main rotor RPM began to decrease and the pilot lowered the collective to bring the RPM back into "the green," which increased the helicopter's descent. When the pilot realized he was "short" of the runway, he opened the throttle, pulled up on the collective, and attempted a go-around. However, the skids contacted the ground and the helicopter landed "hard." Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector revealed the helicopter contacted the ground, 178 feet short of the paved part of the runway. Both landing gear skids made deep impressions in the soil just prior to a large rock. A second impact point was located at the beginning of the paved part of the runway, and skid marks were observed from the second impact point to the helicopter's final resting place, a distance of 31 feet. During the impact, the main rotor severed the tail boom. The pilot stated he experienced no mechanical problems with the helicopter. Winds reported at the airport at about the time of the accident, were from 290 degrees at 8 knots, with 15 knot gusts, variable between 270 and 360 degrees.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 EDT
Nearest AirportJAFFREY (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length2982 ft
Runway Width134 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22B
Tail NumberN221DD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data