N223G

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETAS/N: 3211

Accident Details

Date
Monday, March 18, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA155
Location
Chino Valley, AZ
Event ID
20130319X81018
Coordinates
34.852222, -112.413887
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during the pinnacle landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N223G
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
3211
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
R22 BETAR22
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

During a descent for an off airport pinnacle landing, the helicopter encountered a downdraft about 75 to 100 feet above ground level (agl), and the pilot receiving instruction, increased collective. The flight instructor instructed the pilot receiving instruction to be less aggressive using the collective as the flight continued the descent to the landing area. As the helicopter descended through about 10 to 25 feet agl, it encountered a second downdraft and the pilot receiving instruction increased collective followed by a decrease in rotor RPM. Subsequently, the flight instructor took control of the helicopter as it contacted the ground and then became airborne again. The helicopter yawned to the right, and landed upright on sloping terrain. Post flight examination of the helicopter revealed that the tailboom was structurally damaged just aft of the fuselage attach point. The pilots reported no preimpact 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# WPR13CA155