N57UP

Substantial
None

Robinson R22 BetaS/N: 2449

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA238
Location
Buffalo, ND
Event ID
20080826X01322
Coordinates
46.926387, -97.535278
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's excessive descent rate and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain during the spray run entry.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N57UP
Make
ROBINSON
Serial Number
2449
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1994
Model / ICAO
R22 BetaR22
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
VENTURE AIR LLC
Address
15470 COUNTY ROAD 2
Status
Deregistered
City
LEONARD
State / Zip Code
ND 58052-9423
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that after passing over power lines, he performed a steep descent toward the field he was spraying. The helicopter had a "high descent rate and excessive nose down attitude" during the spray run entry. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent before the main rotor speed dropped below a safe operating speed. A run-on landing was made in the field at about 30 mph, but the helicopter pitched forward and the main rotor impacted terrain. The main rotor, tailboom, fuselage, and landing skids were damaged. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had performed a "less aggressive spray run entry."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA238