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NTSB Report

February 27, 2007 · Robinson R22 BETA II · N199K

Tulare, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tulare, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA II
Tail Number
N199K
Operator
Blue Sky Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX07CA041

During a practice hover autorotation, the helicopter touched down hard on the left skid and experienced a dynamic rollover. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct training for the student pilot (positioned in right seat). In an attempt to practice a hovering autorotation, the CFI rolled the throttle toward the idle position. In response, the student immediately raised the collective and did not input enough right pedal correction. The student additionally made an abrupt left cyclic input, resulting in the helicopter drifting left. The CFI assumed authority of the flight controls in attempt to arrest the high rate of descent and regain directional control. The helicopter stuck the ground hard on the left skid and rolled over. The CFI reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter prior to impact.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper use of the collective and cyclic control, which induced a dynamic rollover. Also causal was the certificated flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

During a practice hover autorotation, the helicopter touched down hard on the left skid. It subsequently experienced a dynamic rollover, coming to rest on its side. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct training for the student pilot (positioned in right seat). After a 1 hour 20 minute flight, the CFI opted to have the student practice hover autorotations at the airport the helicopter is based and where the flight was to terminate. After the CFI rolled the throttle toward the idle position, the student immediately raised the collective and did not input enough right pedal correction. The student additionally made an abrupt left cyclic input, resulting in the helicopter drifting left. The CFI assumed authority of the flight controls in attempt to arrest the high rate of descent and regain directional control. The helicopter stuck the ground hard on the left skid and rolled over. The CFI reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter prior to impact. The CFI stated that his total flight experience totaled 725 hours, of which 300 were accumulated while acting in the capacity of a flight instructor; the student had amassed a total flight time of 6.8 hours. The FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook states that as part of the technique for practice autorotation maneuvers from altitude, the pilot should "smoothly, but firmly lower the collective pitch control to the full down position, maintaining rotor r.p.m. in the green arc with throttle." To practice hovering autorotations, it instructs the pilot to "firmly roll the throttle into the spring loaded override position." It further states that, "as the throttle is closed, apply proper antitorque pedal to maintain heading" and "leave the collective pitch where it is on entry." It then instructs that "at approximately 1 foot above the surface, apply upward collective pitch control, as necessary, to slow the descent and cushion the landing," and notes that "usually the full amount of collective pitch is required." The manual lists one of the common errors of practice hovering autorotations to be the pilot's failure to "apply up-collective pitch properly, resulting in a hard touchdown."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 PST
Nearest AirportMefford Field Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA II
Tail NumberN199K
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBlue Sky Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind145° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data