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August 29, 2017 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N622MP

Sacramento, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sacramento, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (2006)
Tail Number
N622MP
Operator
Capitol Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA514

The helicopter flight instructor reported that the student was practicing quick-stops on the taxiway. The student was hovering with a tailwind and began to accelerate when the helicopter started a "fast yaw to the right." He added that they stopped the acceleration, checked the engine gauges, and then accelerated again. As the helicopter was going through effective translational lift, it spun to the right. The flight instructor took the flight controls, noticed the rpm was high, and reduced the throttle. The helicopter impacted the ground backward and slid before coming to rest. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 7 knots. The helicopter was taxiing to the north.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The helicopter flight instructor reported that the student was practicing quick-stops on the taxiway. The student was hovering with a tailwind and began to accelerate when the helicopter started a "fast yaw to the right". He added that they stopped the acceleration, checked the engine gauges, and then accelerated again. As the helicopter was going through effective translational lift (ETL), it spun to the right. The flight instructor took the flight controls, noticed the rpm was high, and reduced the throttle. The helicopter impacted the ground backwards and slid before coming to rest. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 7 knots. The helicopter was taxiing to the north.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest AirportSacramento Executive (0nm W)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN622MP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCapitol 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 29 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 32 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data