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June 11, 2003 · Robinson R-22 BETA · N7508D

Phoenix, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 11, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA
Tail Number
N7508D
Operator
Quantum Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA191

The helicopter landed hard and rolled over during a power recovery from a practice autorotation. The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that he and the student experienced a "total rotor stall" due to a failure to do a power recovery. He and the student had performed a series of autorotations prior to the eventful one. The entry and glide were "very well managed, the student nailed his rpm control and pitch in the glide." During the level off from the flare, the student was beginning to raise the collective as power was restored. The CFI told the student to begin rolling on the throttle, simultaneously reaching for the throttle himself to assist the student in rolling it on. However, the student firmly gripped the throttle and rolled it off. The instructor reported that he could not override the student's input prior to a main rotor rpm decay that caused the helicopter to land hard. Due to gusty wind conditions, the helicopter was blown off course and came to rest on its left side in a mature cactus (cholla) bed. Flight and throttle control continuity was established and no preimpact anomalies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper use of the throttle control, the certified flight instructor (CFI) inadequate supervision, and the student's control interference, which resulted in a loss of main rotor rpm.

Full Narrative

On June 10, 2003, about 1845 mountain standard time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N7508D, landed hard and rolled over during a power recovery from a practice autorotation near Deer Valley Airport (DVT), Phoenix, Arizona. Quantum Helicopter, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed Scottsdale Airport (SDL), Scottsdale, Arizona, about 1730. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The CFI stated that he and the student experienced a "total rotor stall" due to a failure to do a power recovery. He and the student had performed a series of autorotations prior to the eventful one. The entry and glide were "very well managed, the student nailed his rpm control and pitch in the glide." During the level off from the flare, the student was beginning to raise the collective as power was restored. The CFI told the student to begin rolling on the throttle, simultaneously reaching for the throttle himself to assist the student in rolling it on. However, the student firmly gripped the throttle and rolled it off. The instructor reported that he could not override the student's input prior to a main rotor rpm decay that caused the helicopter to land hard. Due to gusty wind conditions, the helicopter was blown off course and came to rest on its left side in a mature cactus (cholla) bed. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter. Flight and throttle control continuity was established and no preimpact anomalies were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA
Tail NumberN7508D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorQuantum Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 51 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data