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NTSB Report

August 3, 2019 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N440EM

Lyons, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Lyons, NE
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2013)
Tail Number
N440EM
Operator
Wallin Agricultural Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19LA250

The airline transport pilot of the agricultural aerial application flight stated that as the helicopter entered the field to be sprayed, the low rotor rpm annunciation sounded. He attempted to recover rotor rpm, but the rpm continued to decay rapidly. He then used the remaining rotor rpm to cushion a landing onto the field. As the helicopter touched down, it slid about 150-200 ft before the skid dug into soft dirt and the helicopter rolled over. Post-accident examination of the engine by the operator revealed that the no. 6 cylinder had more leakage/lower compression than the previous 100-hour recorded compression checks. Reduced compression on one or more cylinders would have reduced excess power available to maintain a rotor RPM and altitude.

NTSB Probable Cause

The engine's low cylinder compression, which resulted in low rotor rpm and a subsequent dynamic rollover following landing on soft terrain.

Full Narrative

On August 3, 2019, at 1615 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II helicopter, N440EM, experienced a loss of engine power during an aerial application of a field near Lyons, Nebraska. The helicopter impacted the ground during an attempted recovery by the pilot. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot received minor injuries. The helicopter was registered to an individual and operated by Wallin Agricultural Aviation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from an unknown location and an unknown time. The pilot stated that he entered a field to be sprayed and about 100-120 ft agl, the low rotor rpm annunciation sounded. As he attempted to recover rotor rpm, the rpm continued to decay rapidly. He then used the remaining rotor rpm to cushion a landing onto the field. As the helicopter touched down, it slid about 150-200 ft before the skid dug into soft dirt and the helicopter rolled over. Post-accident examination of the engine by the operator revealed that the no. 6 cylinder had more leakage/lower compression than the previous 100-hour recorded compression checks. At the previous recorded compression check, the no. 6 cylinder had a 8.75% of leakage (73 psi held from a reference of 80 psi). The no. 6 cylinder had 35% leakage (52 psi held from a reference of 80 psi) during the examination. No further examination of the cylinder was performed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:05 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN440EM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWallin Agricultural Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1AB · Reciprocating · 205
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data