Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA II near Cotulla, TX — 2010-03-06

Final reportCEN10FA139
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Date
2010-03-06
Location
Cotulla, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA II
Registration
N922SH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning. Contributing to the accident was the low-altitude operating environment that would not allow for a successful autorotation after the loss of engine power.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the low-altitude operating environment that would not allow for a successful autorotation after the loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

During a safety briefing prior to the flight, the pilot mentioned that he would be operating with a limited amount of fuel so that the two-seat helicopter would be more maneuverable. Witnesses reported observing the pilot add fuel while the helicopter was running between several flights; however, no one recalled the pilot adding fuel before the last flight. The truck-mounted fuel tank that the pilot used to fuel the helicopter did not have a gauge or means to determine how much fuel was being pumped into the helicopter. The pilot was on his sixth flight of the day when the accident occurred. Approximately 10 minutes after the flight departed, several waiting passengers heard what they described as a sound that resembled a lawn mower bogging down in tall grass. The helicopter wreckage was located a short time later. A postaccident investigation showed only residual fuel in each of the helicopter’s two fuel tanks. Neither tank exhibited hydraulic deformation and no significant fuel blight was observed on the surrounding vegetation. The helicopter was being operating at a low altitude that would not allow for a successful autorotation in the event of a loss of engine power. No evidence of mechanical failure of the helicopter structure, flight controls, systems, or engine was found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have refueled before the last flight to ensure adequate fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents19

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