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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 28, 2016 · Robinson R22 BETA · N522KC

Asherton, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Asherton, TX
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA (2005)
Tail Number
N522KC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN17LA099

The helicopter experienced a loss in rotor rpm while maneuvering during a low-level wildlife survey. The commercial pilot then performed a forced landing to a field. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that one of the engine magnetos had an internal timing, efficiency gap failure, which would have resulted in improper engine ignition timing and loss of engine power/rpm. Examination also revealed that the magneto distributer gear was loose and that the distributer gear bushing was flapping around.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Prop/rotor parameters-Attain/maintain not possible - C

Full Narrative

On October 28, 2016, at 1000 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N522KC, impacted terrain during a forced landing after a partial loss of engine power near Asherton, Texas. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured. The helicopter was registered to Rotor Spec Aviation LLC and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an aerial wildlife survey flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight originated from Asherton, Texas at time unknown. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report was not received from the pilot. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the helicopter experienced a loss in rotor rpm while maneuvering at low level during a wildlife survey. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a field. Post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed a failure of one of the engine magnetos. The wreckage had been moved and sold by the operator without the knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the NTSB. The NTSB Investigator-in-Charge located the engine at an engine maintenance facility whose representative stated that he examined the engine magnetos and one of the magnetos, Bendix model number S4LSC-200, part number 10-600614-1, serial number J229358E, had an internal timing, efficiency gap (E-gap) failure. He said the magneto distributer gear was loose, and the distributer gear bushing was "flapping" around.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN522KC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Unknown · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data