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NTSB Report
September 27, 1987 · Robinson R-22M · N47RW
Las Cruces, NM
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Las Cruces, NM
Aircraft
Robinson R-22M
Tail Number
N47RW
Operator
Ronnie Wright
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN87LA243
A CFI AND A PRIVATE PLT WERE FERRYING A NEWLY PURCHASED HELICOPTER TO THEIR HOME AIRPORT. DURING A FUEL STOP, WHILE ON A VISUAL APPROACH, THE HELICOPTER ENCOUNTERED WINDSHEAR. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 8000 FEET, AND THE HELICOPTER WAS AT OR NEAR MAX GROSS WT. THE PLT REPORTED ADDING ADDITIONAL COLLECTIVE PITCH TO TRY TO COUNTER A HIGH RATE OF DESCENT. THE LOW ROTOR RPM WARNING SOUNDED JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. A HARD LANDING WITH FORWARD AIRSPEED RESULTED. THE HELICOPTER NOSED OVER AND THE MAIN ROTOR CONTACTED THE TERRAIN, THEN SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED LEFT AND CAME TO REST ON THE LEFT SIDE.
Full Narrative
A CFI AND A PRIVATE PLT WERE FERRYING A NEWLY PURCHASED HELICOPTER TO THEIR HOME AIRPORT. DURING A FUEL STOP, WHILE ON A VISUAL APPROACH, THE HELICOPTER ENCOUNTERED WINDSHEAR. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 8000 FEET, AND THE HELICOPTER WAS AT OR NEAR MAX GROSS WT. THE PLT REPORTED ADDING ADDITIONAL COLLECTIVE PITCH TO TRY TO COUNTER A HIGH RATE OF DESCENT. THE LOW ROTOR RPM WARNING SOUNDED JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. A HARD LANDING WITH FORWARD AIRSPEED RESULTED. THE HELICOPTER NOSED OVER AND THE MAIN ROTOR CONTACTED THE TERRAIN, THEN SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED LEFT AND CAME TO REST ON THE LEFT SIDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:50 MDT
Nearest AirportLas Cruces International (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22M
Tail NumberN47RW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRonnie Wright
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 30 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO