Summary
On December 11, 2012, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (N4073Q) was involved in an accident near Rawlins, WY. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm during takeoff, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.
The pilot reported that he was conducting a high density altitude takeoff in the single-engine helicopter in gusting wind conditions. He reported that while accelerating to best rate of climb speed, the main rotor low RPM horn sounded at 97-percent and he unsuccessfully attempted to increase the main rotor RPM back to 102-percent. The pilot aborted the takeoff and sought a landing site near the departure end of the runway; the helicopter subsequently touched down at a high rate of descent in a gravel parking lot adjacent to the airport and rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom assembly and main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that the helicopter takeoff weight was 66 pounds below gross takeoff weight.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA067. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4073Q.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm during takeoff, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was conducting a high density altitude takeoff in the single-engine helicopter in gusting wind conditions. He reported that while accelerating to best rate of climb speed, the main rotor low RPM horn sounded at 97-percent and he unsuccessfully attempted to increase the main rotor RPM back to 102-percent. The pilot aborted the takeoff and sought a landing site near the departure end of the runway; the helicopter subsequently touched down at a high rate of descent in a gravel parking lot adjacent to the airport and rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom assembly and main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that the helicopter takeoff weight was 66 pounds below gross takeoff weight. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented by shipping all personal items not required for flight to the next low altitude airport along his route of flight. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA067