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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 12, 2004 · Robinson R22 BETA · N2301F

Winsted, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Winsted, MN
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N2301F
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA119

The helicopter was damaged during a forced landing. The pilot reported that he heard a loud bang, smelled rubber, received a clutch warning light, and autorotated to a recently planted corn field. The corn was approximately 2 inches tall in rolling terrain. The tail rotor and aft section of the tail boom were separated from the helicopter and the landing skids were bent outward and upward. The main drive system was examined. The main drive belts are composed of 2 independent belts each having twin V's. The 2 belts run in 4 groove pulley sheaves attached to the engine and clutch. One of the belts was split between the 2 V's for approximately 1/2 of the circumference of the belt. The second belt was shredded. Examination of the actuator revealed no anomalies. No other anomalies could be found with respect to the drive system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the main rotor drive belts for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's misjudged flare during the autorotation.

Full Narrative

On May 12, 2004, about 1145 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N2301F, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage duirng a forced landing following a failure of the main drive belts near Winsted, Minnesota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in marginal visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The origin of the flight has not been determined. The pilot initially reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector that he heard a loud bang, smelled rubber, received a clutch warning light, and autorotated to a recently planted corn field. The pilot has not submitted a written report of the accident. The FAA Inspector that responded to the accident site reported that the corn was approximately 2 inches tall in rolling terrain. Pictures of the accident site confirmed the terrain condition. The tail rotor and aft section of the tail boom were separated from the helicopter and the landing skids were bent outward and upward. The main drive system was examined. The main drive belts are composed of 2 independent belts each having twin V's. The 2 belts run in 4 groove pulley sheaves attached to the engine and clutch. One of the belts was split between the 2 V's for approximately 1/2 of the circumference of the belt. The second belt was shredded. Examination of the actuator revealed no anomalies. No other anomalies could be found with respect to the drive system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN2301F
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 131
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 46
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data