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NTSB Report
July 25, 2022 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N497SU
Cedar City, UT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 25, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Cedar City, UT
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2006)
Tail Number
N497SU
Operator
Southern Utah University
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR22LA267
The helicopter flight instructor was performing straight-in autorotation with power recovery maneuvers with a student pilot. On the third autorotation, the flight instructor stated that the student started the maneuver at 700 ft above ground level (agl) with the main rotor rpm at 100%. During the glide, when the RPM decayed to 90% and the airspeed decreased to 60 knots, the instructor intervened, and he attempted to recover the lost RPM. About 100 ft agl, the instructor prepared for a roll-on landing. The helicopter subsequently landed hard, rolled over on it’s left side and sustained substantial damage when the main rotor blades severed the tailboom. The instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm and airspeed and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action to regain helicopter control during the straight-in autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The helicopter flight instructor was performing straight-in autorotation with power recovery maneuvers with a student pilot. On the third autorotation, the flight instructor stated that the student started the maneuver at 700 ft above ground level (agl) with the main rotor rpm at 100%. During the glide, when the RPM decayed to 90% and the airspeed decreased to 60 knots, the instructor intervened, and he attempted to recover the lost RPM. About 100 ft agl, the instructor prepared for a roll-on landing. The helicopter subsequently landed hard, rolled over on it’s left side and sustained substantial damage when the main rotor blades severed the tailboom. The instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN497SU
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern Utah University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 28 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC