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October 22, 2008 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N8356R

Temecula, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 22, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Temecula, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N8356R
Operator
Usa Academy of Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA023

The certified flight instructor (CFI) was showing the student how to make a landing approach to 2,500-foot mean sea level hilly terrain. The student had about 13 hours of total flying experience, and the CFI was handling the controls. According to the CFI, the first approach to the landing site was uneventful. During the second approach the low rotor rpm warning horn activated. The CFI reported that he tried to "milk collective and get it back," but he was not successful. The CFI opined that the wind direction may have changed, and he attempted to redirect the helicopter's course into the wind. The CFI was unable to regain rpm and stop the descent. The helicopter impacted the field and rolled over. The CFI reported that when the accident occurred, the helicopter was operating near its maximum certificated gross weight. The out of ground effect hover ceiling was about 3,000 feet, and the density altitude was about 3,200 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during a simulated approach to landing under variable wind, and high density altitude conditions.

Full Narrative

During the accident flight, the certified flight instructor (CFI) was providing dual instruction to his student. The CFI was showing the student how to make a landing approach over 2,500-foot mean sea level hilly terrain. The student had about 13 hours of total flying experience, and the CFI was handling the controls. According to the CFI, the first approach to the landing site was uneventful. During the second approach the low rotor rpm warning horn activated. In the CFI's original statement to the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, the CFI reported that he tried to "milk collective and get it back," but he was not successful. The CFI opined that the wind direction may have changed, and he attempted to redirect the helicopter's course into the wind. The CFI was unable to regain rpm and stop the descent. The helicopter impacted the field and rolled over. The CFI reported that when the accident occurred, the helicopter was operating near its maximum certificated gross weight. The out of ground effect hover ceiling was about 3,000 feet, and the density altitude was about 3,200 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN8356R
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUsa Academy of Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data