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NTSB Report

February 13, 2012 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N5511L

N. Charleston, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 13, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
N. Charleston, SC
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44
Tail Number
N5511L
Operator
Charleston Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA179

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that, after takeoff, the student pilot practiced hovering maneuvers then practiced a straight-in autorotation with a planned power recovery. The student pilot initiated the autorotation between 300 and 400 feet above the ground with a 5- to 6-knot tailwind. During the descent, the helicopter descended faster than anticipated, and, although the student pilot initiated a flare to arrest the descent, by that point, the helicopter was too low and still descending too fast. Just before the skids hit a mound of dirt and rock that was about 6- to 8-feet tall, the CFI took the controls but was unable to arrest the descent. The CFI did not apply power but attempted to back off the mound and turn around. Because the engine was at idle power and the rotor rpm was decreasing, the helicopter spun and came to rest on its left side. The CFI reported that there was no preimpact mechanic failure or malfunction. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and also to the right side of the helicopter in the area of the right aft skid.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to apply power during a practice autorotation in order to arrest a high rate of descent, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that after takeoff, hovering was performed followed by a practice straight-in autorotation with a planned power recovery. The autorotation was initiated between 300 and 400 feet with a 5 to 6 knot tailwind. During the descent they descended faster than anticipated and near the end of the autorotation they “…lost all our lift and started our flare to try and slow us down, but by that point we were too low and still descending sic [to] fast.” The skids hit a mound of dirt and rock which was about 6 to 8 feet above ground level, and he did not apply power, but attempted to back off the mound and turn around. Because the engine was at idle power and decreasing rotor rpm, the helicopter spun and came to rest on its left side. The CFI further reported there was no preimpact mechanic failure or malfunction. Digital pictures provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector-in-charge depict structural damage to the tailboom, and also the right side of the helicopter in the area of the right aft skid.

Flight

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

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN5511L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCharleston Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 19 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 12 C
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data