Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Ocate, NM — 2011-09-15

Final reportCEN11LA648
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Date
2011-09-15
Location
Ocate, NM, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N828PM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter was about 80 to 150 feet above ground level with the airspeed about 10 to 15 knots, when the pilot got a low rotor rpm warning, and the engine lost power. The pilot lowered the collective pitch lever, put in right pedal, and kept “full throttle.” The helicopter made two to three complete 360 degree turns before it impacted terrain. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an engine operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at cruise power. The pilot reported that he had possibly failed to use enough carburetor heat and he thought that was the reason for the loss of engine power. An examination of the helicopter showed no preimpact mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to use enough carburetor heat to prevent icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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