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July 16, 2015 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II II · N804DF

Prairie Lea, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 2015
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Prairie Lea, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II II (2006)
Tail Number
N804DF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA232

The helicopter pilot reported that while flying at a low altitude and low airspeed, over tree-covered terrain, he made a steep left turn downwind, and the low rotor rpm horn sounded. He stated that he lowered the collective slightly and rolled on throttle, but the helicopter descended and impacted trees and terrain. The pilot reported that he completed a damage assessment and flew the helicopter to his home airport without further incident. Substantial damage was sustained to the helicopter left aft fuselage frame assembly.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Prop/rotor parameters-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that while flying at a low altitude and low airspeed, over tree-covered terrain, he made a steep left turn downwind, and the low rotor rpm horn sounded. He stated that he lowered the collective slightly and rolled on throttle, but the helicopter descended and impacted trees and terrain. The pilot reported that he completed a damage assessment and flew the helicopter to his home airport without further incident. Substantial damage was sustained to the helicopter left aft fuselage frame assembly. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal helicopter operation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Vortex Ring State (Commonly known as "settling with power") FAA-H-8023-21A identifies, "A vortex ring state may be entered during any maneuver that places the main rotor in a condition of descending in a column of disturbed air and low forward airspeed. Airspeeds that are below translational lift airspeeds are within this region of susceptibility to settling with power aerodynamics (pg. 11-10)." "Some of the situations that are conducive to a settling with power condition are: any hover above ground effect altitude, specifically attempting to hover OGE at altitudes above the hovering ceiling of the helicopter, attempting to hover OGE without maintaining precise altitude control, pinnacle or rooftop helipads when the wind is not aligned with the landing direction, and downwind and steep power approaches in which airspeed is permitted to drop below 10 knots depending on the type of helicopter (pg. 11-10)."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II II
Tail NumberN804DF
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2300 ft
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time13:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data