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NTSB Report

December 15, 2012 · Robinson R22 BETA · N393LE

Logan, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Logan, UT
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N393LE
Operator
Mountain Ridge Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA068

During the 180-degree autorotation, the student pilot maintained an airspeed of 65 knots, with rotor rpm in the green. As the student rolled out of the turn about 300 feet above ground level and at 70 knots, the rotor rpm continued to remain in the green. However, before the flare, the rotor rpm began to decay and failed to build as the flare was entered. The flight instructor then took control of the helicopter and immediately rolled on throttle to recover engine power and to maintain rotor rpm, but there was insufficient engine power to recover, and the low rotor rpm light and horn activated. Because power was not available for a full-power-on landing, the flight instructor initiated a full-down autorotation to a taxiway. During the landing, the helicopter skidded across and off the wet taxiway into loose gravel and mud before the left skid dug into the ground, resulting in the helicopter rolling over and coming to rest on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its welded frames, firewall, and tail cone. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical or malfunctions or failures with the helicopter or flight controls that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident was the wet landing surface.

Full Narrative

During the 180-degree autorotation the student maintained 65 knots with the rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) in the green. As the student rolled out of the turn at about 300 feet above ground level and at 70 knots, the rotor rpm continued to remain in the green. However, prior to the flare the rotor RPM began to decay and failed to build as the flare was entered. The flight instructor then took control of the helicopter and immediately rolled on throttle to recover engine [power] and to maintain [rotor] RPM, but there was insufficient engine power to recover the decayed rotor RPM; this was followed by a low rotor RPM light and horn. As power was not available for a full power on landing, the flight instructor initiated a full down autorotation to a taxiway. During the landing the helicopter skidded across and off the wet taxiway into loose gravel and mud before the left skid dug into the ground. This resulted in the aircraft rolling over and coming to rest on its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its welded frames, firewall, and tail cone. The flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter or flight controls that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 MST
Nearest AirportLogan-Cache Airport (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length9010 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN393LE
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMountain Ridge Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 27 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 28 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time20:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data