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NTSB Report

December 26, 2000 · Robinson R-22 BETA · N195HC

Ciales, PR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 26, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ciales, PR
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA
Tail Number
N195HC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA01LA049

The flight instructor stated that he and the student had been performing autorotation landings in an open field, and when power was required by him to affect the recovery, the engine did not produce enough power. The instructor further stated that the helicopter landed hard and the main rotor hit the tail boom, separating half of it from the rest of the helicopter. An FAA inspector and an FAA licensed company mechanic examined the accident helicopter, and performed a static power test on the engine. According to the inspector, the static check was conducted for about 15 minutes, with the engine operating at idle and at full power, and no abnormalities were observed. In addition, the inspector stated that examination of the fuel filter revealed no evidence of fuel contamination.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight crew's failure to follow procedures for a straight-in autorotation with power recovery that resulted in their improper use of collective resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage to the helicopter.

Full Narrative

On December 26, 2000, about 1630 Atlantic standard time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N195HC, registered to and operated by Copters Incorporated, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced a hard landing in an open field in Ciales, Puerto Rico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter incurred substantial damage, and the commercial-rated flight instructor and one student were not injured. The flight originated from Isla Grande, the same day, about 1545. The flight instructor stated that he and the student had been performing autorotation landings in an open field, and they had done three or four autorotation landings with both him and the student at the controls. The instructor further stated that during the last autorotation, when power was required by him to affect the recovery, the engine did not produce enough power, and the helicopter landed hard. He stated that when the helicopter impacted, the skids paralleled the ground, and the main rotor hit the tail boom, separating half of it from the rest of the helicopter. According to the instructor, the autorotation was started at no less than 500 feet above ground level, and during the maneuver airspeed and rotor RPMs were kept at appropriate settings. On December 28, 2000, an FAA inspector and an FAA licensed company mechanic examined the accident helicopter, and performed a static power test on the engine. According to the inspector, the static test was performed with the engine operating at idle, and at full power for about 15 minutes. The inspector stated that during the static test no abnormalities were observed. In addition, the inspector further stated that they checked the engine fuel filter and found no evidence of fuel contamination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 AST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA
Tail NumberN195HC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data