Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R22 near Titusville, FL — 2011-08-11

Final reportERA11CA448
Sign in to save
Date
2011-08-11
Location
Titusville, FL, USA
Airport
X21
Aircraft
ROBINSON R22
Registration
N62JF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The private pilot's incorrect manipulation of the engine mixture control which resulted in an inadvertent engine shutdown.

NTSB narrative

The two certificated rotorcraft pilots were conducting a ferry flight. According to both pilots, the helicopter was on approach to land for a refueling stop when the airline transport pilot flying asked the private pilot to apply carburetor heat. The private pilot inadvertently pulled-out the engine mixture control with the mixture control guard, which resulted in an immediate total loss of engine power. The helicopter was at an altitude between 300 to 400 feet, when the airline transport pilot entered an autorotation, while the private pilot attempted to restart the engine. The engine did not restart before the helicopter struck trees, a fence, and then nosed over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the airframe and both the main and tail rotor drive systems. Both pilots reported there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps