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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 11, 2012 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N4073Q

Rawlins, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 11, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Rawlins, WY
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N4073Q
Operator
Smith David L Trustee
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA067

The pilot reported that he was conducting a high density altitude takeoff in the single-engine helicopter in gusting wind conditions. He reported that while accelerating to best rate of climb speed, the main rotor low rpm horn sounded at 97 percent, and he unsuccessfully attempted to increase the main rotor rpm back to 102 percent. The pilot aborted the takeoff and sought a landing site near the departure end of the runway; the helicopter subsequently touched down at a high rate of descent in a gravel parking lot adjacent to the airport and rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom assembly and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that the helicopter takeoff weight was 66 pounds below gross takeoff weight. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented by shipping all personal items not required for flight to the next low altitude airport along his route of flight. A successful takeoff should have been possible at the reported takeoff weight. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm during takeoff, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting a high density altitude takeoff in the single-engine helicopter in gusting wind conditions. He reported that while accelerating to best rate of climb speed, the main rotor low RPM horn sounded at 97-percent and he unsuccessfully attempted to increase the main rotor RPM back to 102-percent. The pilot aborted the takeoff and sought a landing site near the departure end of the runway; the helicopter subsequently touched down at a high rate of descent in a gravel parking lot adjacent to the airport and rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom assembly and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that the helicopter takeoff weight was 66 pounds below gross takeoff weight. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented by shipping all personal items not required for flight to the next low altitude airport along his route of flight. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 MST
Nearest AirportRAWLINS (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN4073Q
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith David L Trustee
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 74 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 11 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 16 C
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data