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March 8, 2012 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N54BA

Randle, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 8, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Randle, WA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N54BA
Operator
Glacier Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA117

The certified flight instructor (CFI) was preparing the flying pilot for his commercial helicopter check flight. They were practicing pinnacle and confined-area landings to a small elevated U.S. Forest Service landing platform located along a 4,750-foot mean sea level (msl) ridgeline. The helicopter performance tables indicated a maximum out-of-ground-effect hover altitude of 6,000 feet msl, based on helicopter weight and environmental conditions. The pilot made a very shallow approach to the landing platform and established a hover. At this time, the engine manifold pressure increased, and the low rotor rpm horn sounded. The helicopter settled onto the landing platform, and the flying pilot said to the CFI that the landing skid on his side was not on the platform. He maneuvered the helicopter forward off the platform and downslope. The low rotor rpm horn stopped sounding, and the helicopter increased its forward speed but did not increase its altitude. The right skid caught some snow, and the helicopter flipped over. The helicopter came to rest facing uphill on its left side with damage to the tailboom and main rotor blades. The CFI stated that the helicopter had no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Climb capability-Capability exceeded - C

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) was preparing the flying pilot for his commercial helicopter check flight. They were practicing pinnacle and confined area landings to a small elevated Forrest Service landing platform located along a 4,750-foot mean sea level (msl) ridge line. The helicopter performance tables indicated, based on helicopter weight and environmental conditions, a maximum out of ground effect hover altitude of 6,000 feet msl. The pilot made a very shallow approach to the landing platform, and established a hover. At this time the engine manifold pressure increased, and the low rotor rpm horn sounded. The helicopter settled onto the landing platform and the flying pilot said to the CFI that the landing skid on his side was not on the platform. He maneuvered the helicopter forward off the platform, and downslope. The low rotor rpm horn stopped sounding, and the helicopter increased forward speed but did not increase in altitude. The right skid caught some snow and the helicopter flipped over. The helicopter came to rest facing uphill on it's left side with damage to the tail boom and main rotor blades. The CFI stated that the helicopter had no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 PST
Nearest AirportRandal-Kiona (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN54BA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGlacier Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 38 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 3 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 27 C
Altimeter30.43 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data