Pilot Debrief

Robinson R22 Beta near Buffalo, ND — 2008-08-05

Final reportCHI08CA238
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Date
2008-08-05
Location
Buffalo, ND, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 Beta
Registration
N57UP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive descent rate and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain during the spray run entry.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after passing over power lines, he performed a steep descent toward the field he was spraying. The helicopter had a "high descent rate and excessive nose down attitude" during the spray run entry. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent before the main rotor speed dropped below a safe operating speed. A run-on landing was made in the field at about 30 mph, but the helicopter pitched forward and the main rotor impacted terrain. The main rotor, tailboom, fuselage, and landing skids were damaged. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had performed a "less aggressive spray run entry."

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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