Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R22 near Lake Charles, LA — 2011-04-10

Final reportCEN11LA283
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Date
2011-04-10
Location
Lake Charles, LA, USA
Airport
LCH
Aircraft
ROBINSON R22
Registration
N372LE
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control of the helicopter while in a hover.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter was in a stabilized hover into the wind on the approach end of the runway for about 15 to 20 seconds. The pilot was preparing to move the cyclic forward to start the helicopter into forward flight when the nose began a slight uncommanded turn to the right. The pilot added more left pedal, but the helicopter quickly picked up momentum and speed until the helicopter was spinning out of control. The pilot then lowered the collective pitch lever and the helicopter struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach when uncommanded turn began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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