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November 14, 2015 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N7058Z

Sugarland, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 14, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Sugarland, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (1998)
Tail Number
N7058Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA040

The private pilot stated that, while approaching the landing site at the conclusion of the 50-minute flight, the helicopter's main rotor experienced an overspeed condition. The pilot reduced the throttle but was unable to reduce the rotor rpm, and he initiated an autorotation to a field. The pilot reported that the helicopter's rotor had oversped about 2 weeks before the accident. A 50-hour inspection after the previous overspeed event did not reveal any anomalies. A postaccident visual examination of the helicopter by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any anomalies, and the reason for the overspeed of the main rotor system could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The overspeed of the main rotor system for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On November 14, 2015, about 0950 central standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N7058Z, experienced a hard landing following an autorotation near Sugarland, Texas. The private rated pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The helicopter was registered to Jerry Trimble Helicopters and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan.According to the pilot, after flying for about 50 minutes the main rotor rpm over-sped, and went to the top of the gauge. The pilot reduced throttle but was unable to get the rotor rpms within limits, so he initiated an autorotation. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter to an open field location and landed hard. After the initial impact, the helicopter rolled on to its left side. The tail boom was severed from the fuselage during the impact, and was displaced about 150 feet from the fuselage. The pilot reported that the helicopter's rotor had over sped about 2 weeks prior to the accident. A 50-hour inspection of the helicopter did not reveal a reason for the main rotor over speed. The pilot suspected a mechanical malfunction resulting in an over speed of the rotor system. A visual examination of the helicopter by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:50 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN7058Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.36 inHg
Observation Time16:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data