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April 10, 2011 · Robinson R22 BETA · N372LE

Lake Charles, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 10, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Lake Charles, LA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N372LE
Operator
Performance Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA283

The helicopter was in a stabilized hover into the wind on the approach end of the runway for about 15 to 20 seconds. The pilot was preparing to move the cyclic forward to start the helicopter into forward flight when the nose began a slight uncommanded turn to the right. The pilot added more left pedal, but the helicopter quickly picked up momentum and speed until the helicopter was spinning out of control. The pilot then lowered the collective pitch lever and the helicopter struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On March 9, 2011, about 2230 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N372LE, was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway at Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH), Lake Charles, Louisiana. The helicopter was registered to Bend Helicopter Partners, LLC., and operated by Performance Helicopters, LLC. Dark night marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 solo training flight. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The local flight had originated about 2130. According to the pilot, he had been in a stabilized hover on the approach end of the runway for about 15 to 20 seconds. He was preparing to move the cyclic forward to start the helicopter into forward flight when the nose began a slight uncommanded turn to the right. The pilot added more left pedal, but the helicopter quickly picked up momentum and speed until the helicopter was spinning out of control. The pilot then lowered the collective pitch lever and the helicopter struck the runway surface. The tail rotor hub and both tail rotor blades separated and the main rotor blades and tail boom showed impact damage. The helicopter came to rest upright and there were numerous 360 degree swirl marks on the runway surface. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:30 CDT
Nearest AirportLake Charles Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length6500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN372LE
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPerformance Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind160° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 1000 ft
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time03:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data