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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 19, 2004 · Robinson R22 · N993RW

Park City, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 19, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Park City, UT
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N993RW
Operator
Silverstate Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN05LA042

According to the flight instructor, the student was setting up an approach near the reservoir. The approach angle was too steep, so the student discontinued the approach. The instructor stated that during the second approach, approximately 20 feet above the ground, the helicopter began to yaw to the right. She stated that she took control of the helicopter as it yawed approximately 180 degrees around. She established a stabilized hover and at this time, the "low rotor horn and light came on." The instructor stated that she "lowered the collective and rolled on the throttle to try and get the horn off and the rpms back up." She stated that the rpm never dropped below 95 percent. Subsequently, the helicopter "dropped straight down and hit the ground level" causing substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the instructor's inadequate supervision by her failure to assure adequate rotor rpm was maintained.

Full Narrative

On December 19, 2004, at approximately 1620 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22, N993RW, operated by Silverstate Helicopters, was substantially damaged when it landed hard near Jordanelle Reservoir, Park City, Utah. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight instructor and student pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at Provo, Utah, at approximately 1520. According to the accident report submitted by the flight instructor, the student was attempting a landing approach near the Jordanelle Reservoir. The approach angle was too steep, so the student discontinued the approach. During the second approach attempt, the student descended approximately 300 feet per minute and airspeed slowed from 60 knots to 20 knots. The instructor stated that 20 feet above the ground, the helicopter began to yaw to the right. She stated that she took control of the helicopter as it yawed approximately 180 degrees around. She established a stabilized hover and at this time, the "low rotor horn and light came on." The instructor stated that she "lowered the collective and rolled on the throttle to try and get the horn off and the rpms back up." She stated that the rpm never dropped below 95 percent. Subsequently, the helicopter "dropped straight down and hit the ground level." The tail boom was wrinkled and fractured and both skids were bent. An examination of the helicopter's systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN993RW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSilverstate Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time22:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data