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September 26, 2012 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA II · N4171J

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA II
Tail Number
N4171J
Operator
Alpine Air Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC12CA111

The flight instructor was providing primary helicopter flight instruction to a student pilot. The instructor reported that while practicing a series of hovering autorotations, he inadvertently allowed the student pilot to drift to the left during the descent. The instructor then took control of the helicopter, applied right cyclic, and raised the collective slightly to level the helicopter and arrest the descent, but the helicopter started to descend with the right skid low. The instructor then added left cyclic and raised the collective further in an attempt to cushion the landing. The helicopter then drifted to the right as the right skid subsequently struck the ground. After touchdown, the helicopter’s skids slid over the asphalt surface before the right skid “caught,” the helicopter rolled to the right, and the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its right side, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor drive system. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that the accident might have been avoided if he had taken corrective action sooner and with less input on the cyclic.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during a hovering autorotation, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The certificated flight instructor (CFI) was providing primary helicopter flight instruction to a student pilot. The CFI reported that while practicing a series of hovering autorotations, he inadvertently allowed the student pilot to drift to the left during the descent. The CFI then took control of the helicopter, applied right cyclic and raised the collective slightly to level the helicopter and arrest the descent, but the helicopter started to descend with the right skid low. He then added left cyclic, and raised the collective further in an attempt to cushion the landing. The helicopter then drifted to the right as the right skid subsequently struck the ground. After touchdown, the helicopter’s skids slid over the asphalt surface before the right skid “caught” and the helicopter rolled to the right, and the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its right side, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and main rotor drive system. In his written statement to the NTSB, the pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the helicopter, and in the recommendations section of the NTSB 6120.1 form he reported that the accident might have been avoided if he had taken corrective action sooner, and with less input on the cyclic.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportMerrill Field (0nm)
Runway05
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA II
Tail NumberN4171J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlpine Air Alaska
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 45 C
Altimeter29.30 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data