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June 7, 2016 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N931SH

Cahokia/St. Louis, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cahokia/St. Louis, IL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (2005)
Tail Number
N931SH
Operator
My Sky
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA296

According to the flight instructor, he was instructing his student in hovering flight operations. He reported that he instructed the student to execute a right pedal turn at a three foot hover. The instructor recalled that the student complied and during the turn, as the tail came into the wind, the helicopter started to weathervane, and the turn rate increased rapidly and did not subside until the helicopter impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both rotor systems. The instructor reported that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions with any portion of the helicopter that would prevent normal flight operations. The instructor reported that the wind velocity at the time of the accident was 11 knots gusting to 16 knots. Weathercock stability is defined as a region of loss of tail rotor effectiveness (120 degree - 240 degree tailwind) that will weathervane the helicopter, and if not prevented will result in a loss of helicopter control about the horizontal axis. According to the Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA 8083-21A): Pilots who put themselves in situations where the combinations above occur should know that they are likely to encounter LTE. The key is to not put the helicopter in a compromising condition but if it does happen being educated enough to recognize the onset of LTE and be prepared to quickly react to it before the helicopter cannot be controlled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action and his failure to remain vigilant as the helicopter entered the weathercock stability region, in gusting wind conditions, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness and ground impact.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, he was instructing his student in hovering flight operations. He reported that he instructed the student to execute a right pedal turn at a three foot hover. The instructor recalled that the student complied and during the turn, as the tail came into the wind, the helicopter started to weathervane, and the turn rate increased rapidly and did not subside until the helicopter impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both rotor systems. The instructor reported that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions with any portion of the helicopter that would prevent normal flight operations. The instructor reported that the wind velocity at the time of the accident was 11 knots gusting to 16 knots. Weathercock stability is defined as a region of loss of tail rotor effectiveness (120 degree - 240 degree tailwind) that will weathervane the helicopter, and if not prevented will result in a loss of helicopter control about the horizontal axis. According to the Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA 8083-21A): Pilots who put themselves in situations where the combinations above occur should know that they are likely to encounter LTE. The key is to not put the helicopter in a compromising condition but if it does happen being educated enough to recognize the onset of LTE and be prepared to quickly react to it before the helicopter cannot be controlled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:28 CDT
Nearest AirportSt Louis Downtown (0nm SE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN931SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMy Sky
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 29 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 29 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data