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NTSB Report

July 15, 2005 · Robinson R-22 BETA II · N7514P

Mesa, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mesa, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA II
Tail Number
N7514P
Operator
Sliver State Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05CA232

During a practice hovering autorotation the helicopter impacted the terrain and rolled over. On the third attempt at the hovering autorotation, the pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) and certified flight instructor (CFI) stabilized the helicopter in a 2-foot hover. The PUI counted down "three, two, and one" and entered the maneuver. He then increased the throttle, as opposed to retarding the throttle, and simultaneously added full right antitorque pedal. The helicopter then began to rapidly yaw to the right. The CFI then retarded the throttle and tried to overcome the PUI's right antitorque pedal input. At this point the helicopter was starting to descend, and the right yawing motion was beginning to slow down. As the helicopter descended towards terrain, the low rotor rpm horn and light went off, and the CFI lowered the collective in attempt to stop the descent. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter impacted the terrain, and rolled over on its right side facing 180 degrees from the initial starting point. The resulting damage was to the main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and tail boom. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the improper use of the throttle and antitorque pedal by the pilot undergoing instruction, and the inadequate supervision of the flight by the certified flight instructor.

Full Narrative

On July 15, 2005, about 0900 mountain standard time, a Robinson R-22 Beta II, N7514P, impacted the terrain and rolled over during a practice hovering autorotation at the Williams Gateway Airport (KIWA), Mesa, Arizona. Sliver State Helicopters was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed Mesa, Arizona, about 0835. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a written statement, the CFI stated that the purpose of this instructional flight was to prepare the PUI for the Robinson Safety Course. They had planned on practicing several maneuvers, which included hovering autorotations. The CFI reported that they positioned the helicopter in a hover over taxiway hotel between taxiway Charlie and runway 30R to practice hovering autorotations. On the third attempt at the hovering autorotation, they stabilized the helicopter in a 2-foot hover. The PUI counted down "three, two, and one" and entered the maneuver. He then increased the throttle, as opposed to retarding the throttle, and simultaneously added full right antitorque pedal. The helicopter then began to rapidly yaw to the right. The CFI then retarded the throttle and tried to overcome the PUI's right antitorque pedal input. At this point, the helicopter was starting to descend, and the right yawing motion was beginning to slow down. As the helicopter descended towards terrain, the low rotor rpm horn and light went off, and the CFI lowered the collective in an attempt to stop the descent. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter impacted the terrain, and rolled over on its right side facing 180 degrees from the initial starting point. The resulting damage was to the main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and tail boom. The pilot stated that the helicopter and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. According to the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), when performing hovering autorotations the pilot is to firmly roll the throttle into the spring loaded override position, if applicable. This disengages the driving force of the engine from the rotor, thus eliminating torque effect. As the throttle is closed, apply proper antitorque pedal to maintain heading.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 MST
Nearest AirportWilliams Gateway Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA II
Tail NumberN7514P
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSliver State Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 3 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time16:03
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data