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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 18, 2013 · Robinson Helicopter R22 Mariner Mariner · N8316D

Lee'S Summit, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lee'S Summit, MO
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 Mariner Mariner (1994)
Tail Number
N8316D
Operator
Marinephoto Helicopter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA575

The flight instructor was providing primary helicopter instruction to a fixed-wing pilot on how to conduct 180-degree autorotations. The instructor said the pilot entered the flare lower to the ground than usual and began to descend. By the time the instructor noticed the high descent rate, it was too late for him to recover and he was only able to apply full-up collective to cushion the impact. The helicopter landed hard spreading the skids. During the landing and the main rotor blades flexed downward and severed the tailboom.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper flare while performing an autorotation and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action to correct the high sink rate, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor was providing primary helicopter instruction to a fixed-wing pilot on how to conduct 180-degree autorotations. The instructor said the pilot entered the flare lower to the ground than usual and began to descend. By the time the instructor noticed the high descent rate, it was too late for him to recover and he was only able to apply full-up collective to cushion the impact. The helicopter landed hard spreading the skids. During the landing and the main rotor blades flexed downward and severed the tailboom.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest AirportLee'S Summit Municipal (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4016 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 Mariner Mariner
Tail NumberN8316D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMarinephoto Helicopter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 35 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

External Links

Appendix: Source Data