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August 13, 2007 · Robinson R-22 BETA II · N453SH

Tucson, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tucson, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R-22 BETA II
Tail Number
N453SH
Operator
Silver State Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA07CA233

The flight instructor reported that he was on a cross-country training flight with a student. He said the student was performing an off airport landing where the elevation was 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl); the density altitude was reported to be 7,300 feet msl. The flight instructor said that as the helicopter approached the landing site, it began to yaw right, and the left pedal was ineffective. He took control of the aircraft, and noticed that the main rotor RPM was low. He lowered the collective slightly and rolled on additional throttle. The flight instructor said that the left pedal would still not turn the helicopter into the wind. He lowered the collective again, allowed the helicopter to settle, and then pulled collective to cushion the landing. The main rotor contacted the terrain and mesquite shrub. The aircraft came to rest on its left side, facing the direction from which it came, and the tail boom was separated from the fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during landing approach, and the delayed remedial action by the flight instructor. A contributing factor was the high density altitude weather condition.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that he was on a cross-country training flight with a student. He said the student was performing an off airport landing where the elevation was 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl); the density altitude was reported to be 7,300 feet msl. The flight instructor said that as the helicopter approached the landing site, it began to yaw right, and the left pedal was ineffective. He took control of the aircraft, and noticed that the main rotor RPM was low. He lowered the collective slightly and rolled on additional throttle. The flight instructor said that the left pedal would still not turn the helicopter into the wind. He lowered the collective again, allowed the helicopter to settle, and then pulled collective to cushion the landing. The main rotor contacted the terrain and mesquite shrub. The aircraft came to rest on its left side, facing the direction from which it came, and the tail boom was separated from the fuselage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:10 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22 BETA II
Tail NumberN453SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSilver State Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 145

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time11:26
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data