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June 14, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N443SH

Sylva, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 14, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Sylva, NC
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N443SH
Operator
Tunica Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA252

The pilot was demonstrating emergency procedures and non-standard maneuvers in the helicopter to a new hire pilot and a company sales representative. After several simulated engine failures and autorotations, the pilot initiated a “quick stop” maneuver. The maneuver he performed did not comport with the published procedure in the manufacturer’s flight training guide, and in some cases contradicted the factory guidance in the pilot’s admittedly “slightly modified maneuver.” The pilot initiated the maneuver about 40 ft. above the runway with about 40 knots airspeed. He reduced throttle, which was not directed, added left pedal, which was opposite of that directed, the engine and rotor rpm decayed, and the helicopter descended. The pilot said that he could not recover the engine or rotor rpm prior to the collision with the runway, which substantially damaged the helicopter. The 3 occupants of the helicopter egressed without injury. The pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that would have prevented normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s intentional departure from the procedures published in the manufacturer’s flight training guide, and his subsequent loss of engine rpm, rotor rpm, and aircraft control.

Full Narrative

The pilot was demonstrating emergency procedures and non-standard maneuvers in the helicopter to a new hire pilot and a company sales representative. After several simulated engine failures and autorotations, the pilot initiated a “quick stop” maneuver. The maneuver he performed did not comport with the published procedure in the manufacturer’s flight training guide, and in some cases contradicted the factory guidance in the pilot’s admittedly “slightly modified maneuver.” The pilot initiated the maneuver about 40 ft. above the runway with about 40 knots airspeed. He reduced throttle, which was not directed, added left pedal, which was opposite of that directed, the engine and rotor rpm decayed, and the helicopter descended. The pilot said that he could not recover the engine or rotor rpm prior to the collision with the runway, which substantially damaged the helicopter. The 3 occupants of the helicopter egressed without injury. The pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that would have prevented normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:54 EDT
Nearest AirportJackson County (0nm WSW)
Runway15/3
Runway Length3210 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN443SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTunica Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AF1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 22 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time10:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data