Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Buffalo, SD — 2013-04-13

Final reportCEN13LA228
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Date
2013-04-13
Location
Buffalo, SD, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N424DP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an emergency landing on uneven terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, while maneuvering during a sightseeing flight at an altitude of between 100 and 150 feet and an airspeed of 50 knots, he reversed course into a strong, gusting tailwind. After making the turn, the low-rotor rpm horn activated. The pilot lowered the collective and executed an emergency landing to uneven terrain, during which the tail boom and landing gear separated from the fuselage of the helicopter. An examination of the airframe and engine, which included a successful functional test of the engine, revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained altitude and avoided low rotor speed condition.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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