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NTSB Report

April 11, 2018 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N622MP

Franklin, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 11, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Franklin, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (2006)
Tail Number
N622MP
Operator
Capitol Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA210

The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that, while demonstrating a touchdown autorotation to the pilot receiving instruction, the helicopter landed in a "normal run-on landing configuration." He added that the pilot receiving instruction applied aft cyclic about 15 ft into the forward ground run. The flight instructor moved the cyclic into the neutral position and lowered the collective as quickly as possible to slow the groundspeed. The helicopter "jumped" up and yawed to the left and spun about 150° before coming to rest. The flight instructor felt abnormal vibration in the cyclic and collective. He opened the door to inspect the helicopter and saw that the main rotor had struck the tailboom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's Helicopter Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21A, contains a section titled "Autorotation " which states: After the helicopter has come to a complete stop after touchdown, lower the collective pitch to the full-down position. Do not try to stop the forward ground run with aft cyclic, as the main rotor blades can strike the tail boom. Rather, by lowering the collective slightly during the ground run, more weight is placed on the undercarriage, slowing the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that, while demonstrating a touchdown autorotation to the pilot receiving instruction, the helicopter landed in a "normal run-on landing configuration." He added that the pilot receiving instruction applied aft cyclic about 15 ft into the forward ground run. The flight instructor moved the cyclic into the neutral position and lowered the collective as quickly as possible, to slow the ground speed. The helicopter "jumped" up and yawed to the left and spun the helicopter about 150° before coming to rest. The flight instructor felt abnormal vibration in the cyclic and collective. He opened the door to inspect the helicopter and saw that the main rotor had struck the tailboom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located 12 miles north of the accident airport reported that, about 17 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 7 knots. The helicopter landed on runway 18. Federal Aviation Administration's Helicopter Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21A, contains a section titled "Autorotation " which states: After the helicopter has come to a complete stop after touchdown, lower the collective pitch to the full-down position. Do not try to stop the forward ground run with aft cyclic, as the main rotor blades can strike the tail boom. Rather, by lowering the collective slightly during the ground run, more weight is placed on the undercarriage, slowing the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 PDT
Nearest AirportFranklin Field (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3123 ft
Runway Width60 ft
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 34 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data