Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near San Isidro, TX — 2022-08-21

Final reportCEN22LA400
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Date
2022-08-21
Location
San Isidro, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N4447A
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to conduct an autorotation with a tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was practicing autorotations when the accident occurred. After successfully completing several autorotations from the same direction, he elected to attempt one from a different direction, which put the helicopter into a tailwind. During the maneuver, when the pilot rolled off the throttle, the helicopter “lost RPM”. He attempted to add power but was too low to the ground and the helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the pilot was seriously injured. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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