Summary
On June 22, 1995, a Robinson R-22 BETA (N709JV) was involved in an incident near Renton, WA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE FLARE.
On June 21, 1995, at 1900 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N709JV, landed hard in an open field near Renton, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight had originated from the Renton Airport, Renton, Washington, at 1845.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he flew to the practice area to practice approaches, landings, and hovering maneuvers. During the first approach, the pilot stated that "...things were starting to happen fast.
This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA95LA124. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N709JV.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE FLARE.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 21, 1995, at 1900 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N709JV, landed hard in an open field near Renton, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight had originated from the Renton Airport, Renton, Washington, at 1845.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he flew to the practice area to practice approaches, landings, and hovering maneuvers. During the first approach, the pilot stated that "...things were starting to happen fast. The only thing that I could think of was to land." The helicopter landed hard, bounced and started to roll to the left, however, the main rotor blade contacted the ground and the helicopter righted itself.
A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Renton, Washington, Flight Standards District Office, reported that the pilot stated to him that a normal approach was made with an approximate 30-45 degree descent angle. The pilot stated that he did not flare the helicopter in time and it landed hard.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA95LA124