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August 18, 2015 · Robinson Helicopter R22 Mariner · N5VH

Prescott, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 Mariner (2004)
Tail Number
N5VH
Operator
Universal Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA233

The flight instructor reported that while holding short to cross runway 21L in a skid-equipped helicopter, she was issued the clearance "cross 21L." She reported that she assumed that the clearance was for a direct route to her destination on the airport. After the helicopter began to hover taxi direct to the destination, she reported that the ground controller called her and stated "cross 21L at C4, D4 and follow company traffic." The flight instructor reported that to avoid a runway incursion, she "turned the helicopter into a tailwind and considering the high density altitude and strong winds the aircraft did not have enough power and it settled toward the ground, causing one bounce in the sod, the second bounce rolled the helicopter onto its left side." The flight instructor reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's decision to turn the helicopter downwind during a hover taxi which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that while holding short to cross runway 21L in a skid-equipped helicopter, she was issued the clearance "cross 21L." She reported that she assumed that the clearance was for a direct route to her destination on the airport. After the helicopter began to hover taxi direct to the destination, she reported that the ground controller called her and stated "cross 21L at C4, D4 and follow company traffic." The flight instructor reported that to avoid a runway incursion, she "turned the helicopter into a tailwind and considering the high density altitude and strong winds the aircraft did not have enough power and it settled toward the ground, causing one bounce in the sod, the second bounce rolled the helicopter onto its left side." The flight instructor reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:55 MST
Nearest AirportErnest A Love Field (0nm S)
Runway21L
Runway Length7619 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 Mariner
Tail NumberN5VH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUniversal Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 J2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 36 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 14 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data