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May 10, 2007 · Robinson R22 BETA · N437EM

Morgan City, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Morgan City, LA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N437EM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW07LA116

The reciprocating-engine powered helicopter lost engine power while in cruise flight. The 115-hour student helicopter pilot reported that the helicopter was in cruise flight at 1,500 feet when he "felt a change in torque or something." The pilot activated the carburetor heat and the engine power slowly decayed. The pilot initiated an autorotation to a marsh area. During the forced landing the main rotor blade contacted and separated the tailboom assembly. Post-examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies. The carburetor heat control was found in the automatic mode, the engine sparkplugs appeared normal, and there was approximately a half-tank of fuel in the helicopter's fuel cell. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 10, 2007, approximately 1130 central daylight time, a single-engine Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N437EM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power while in cruise flight near Morgan City, Louisiana. The student pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by Dylan Aviation LLC., of Houma, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the training flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local flight departed Houma-Terrebonne Airport (HUM), near Houma, Louisiana, about 1050. The 115-hour helicopter student pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) that the helicopter was in cruise flight at 1,500 feet when he "felt a change in torque or something." The pilot added that he proceeded to scan the engine instruments and "pulled the carburetor heat." The pilot further stated that the engine power slowly decayed and he elected to initiate an autorotation into a marsh/pipeline area. The Federal Aviation Inspector, who responded to the accident scene, confirmed that the helicopter had sustained structural damage during the forced landing. Additionally, the aircraft's tail boom assembly was found separated from the fuselage; which was partly submerged in water and lying on its side. Representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration conducted an examination of the helicopter and engine on May 21, 2007. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies. The carburetor heat control was found in the automatic mode, the engine sparkplugs appeared normal, and there was approximately a half-tank of fuel remaining in the helicopter's fuel tank. The reason for the loss of engine power was not found. At 1250, the automated weather observing system at HUM, reported variable winds at 3 knots, 7 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 10,000 feet, temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 64 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of Mercury. A review of the Carburetor Icing chart reveals that the temperature/dew point spread, puts the flight between the "Moderate icing - cruise power" and "Serious icing - descent power" operating realm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN437EM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data