Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Lewiston, ID — 2009-06-26

Final reportWPR09LA314
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Date
2009-06-26
Location
Lewiston, ID, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N836SH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power while in cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were on a local instructional flight. The CFI stated that during cruise flight, the rpm dropped suddenly and he lowered the collective while rolling on the throttle. The engine did not respond and the helicopter impacted the ground. The CFI indicated that carburetor heat had been applied shortly before the power loss occurred. Post accident test run of the engine did not reveal any operational anomalies. At the time of the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration icing probability chart showed that icing conditions existed at glide and cruise power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Applying carburetor heat earlier could have prevented power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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