Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22 near Indian Key, FL — 2009-11-28

Final reportERA10CA083
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Date
2009-11-28
Location
Indian Key, FL, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22
Registration
N324GS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to secure the collective control prior to departing the helicopter, which resulted in an unmanned departure and subsequent crash of the helicopter.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he landed in order to examine his helicopter due to the intermittent illumination of a warning light. After landing, he reduced the throttle to "70 percent," exited the helicopter, and began a visual inspection as the helicopter continued to run. During the inspection, the helicopter initiated a takeoff, which the pilot could not arrest from outside the cockpit. The helicopter climbed to approximately 150 feet altitude and flew about 1,800 feet before it descended and collided with water. The pilot was seriously injured during the takeoff, and the helicopter was substantially damaged during collision with the water. The pilot stated that he failed to secure the collective control, and added, "There was nothing wrong with the helicopter."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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