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NTSB Report

September 15, 2011 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N828PM

Ocate, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Ocate, NM
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44
Tail Number
N828PM
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA648

The helicopter was about 80 to 150 feet above ground level with the airspeed about 10 to 15 knots, when the pilot got a low rotor rpm warning, and the engine lost power. The pilot lowered the collective pitch lever, put in right pedal, and kept “full throttle.” The helicopter made two to three complete 360 degree turns before it impacted terrain. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an engine operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at cruise power. The pilot reported that he had possibly failed to use enough carburetor heat and he thought that was the reason for the loss of engine power. An examination of the helicopter showed no preimpact mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and a partial loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On August 15, 2011, at 1650 mountain daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N828PM, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during landing at a remote hunting lodge near Ocate, New Mexico. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had been not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. At the time of the accident the helicopter was returning from a local flight. The pilot reported that he was about 40 feet above power lines with the helicopter flying about 80 to 150 feet above ground level with the airspeed at about 10 to 15 knots. At that point a gust of wind caused the nose of the helicopter to begin an uncommanded turn to the left and the pilot got a low rotor warning and a loss of engine power. The pilot lowered the collective pitch lever, put in right pedal, and kept “full throttle”. The pilot reported that the helicopter continued to spin and made two to three complete 360 degree turns before it impacted terrain. During impact the skid landing gear collapsed and the lower fuselage and tail boom were substantially damaged. The helicopter came to rest mostly upright. There was adequate fuel on-board, but there was no fuel spill and no postimpact fire. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an engine operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at cruise power. The pilot reported that he had possibly failed to use enough carburetor heat on this flight and he thought that was the reason for the loss of engine power. An examination of the helicopter showed no preimpact mechanical failures or anomalies that would have prevented operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN828PM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540F1 SERIE · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 41 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data