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November 15, 2014 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA II · N32VH

Prescott, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 2014
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA II (2005)
Tail Number
N32VH
Operator
Guidance Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR15CA043

During an instructional flight, the certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation for a pilot rated student. The CFI positioned the helicopter on a downwind, abeam the landing site, about 800 feet above ground and at about 70 knots when he started a right turning autorotation. After turning about 80 degrees the pilot rated student told the CFI that it appeared they were going to land short on the approach. The CFI increased the helicopter's turn rate; however, near the end of the turn, he noticed the rotor RPM was starting to decay and he applied down collective. As the helicopter was rolling out of the turn, it appeared that the helicopter was descending faster than moving forward. The CFI began the cyclic flare to reduce the descent; however, the helicopter impacted the ground hard and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage structure. The CFI reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain helicopter control during the autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent roll over.

Full Narrative

During an instructional flight, the certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation for a pilot rated student. The CFI positioned the helicopter on a downwind, abeam the landing site, about 800 feet above ground and at about 70 knots when he started a right turning autorotation. After turning about 80 degrees the pilot rated student told the CFI that it appeared they were going to land short on the approach. The CFI increased the helicopter's turn rate; however, near the end of the turn, he noticed the rotor RPM was starting to decay and he applied down collective. As the helicopter was rolling out of the turn, it appeared that the helicopter was descending faster than moving forward. The CFI began the cyclic flare to reduce the descent; however, the helicopter impacted the ground hard and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage structure. The CFI reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA II
Tail NumberN32VH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGuidance Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SERIES · Reciprocating · 0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 29 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 21 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data