Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R44 near Capron, IL — 2013-07-28

Final reportCEN13LA448
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Date
2013-07-28
Location
Capron, IL, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON R44
Registration
N9681R
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor speed while maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was applying a fungicide spray to a field when the helicopter began to lose altitude. The pilot tried to arrest the helicopter's descent while turning by increasing collective pitch, which resulted in a low main rotor speed. The helicopter impacted trees and terrain. Examination of the helicopter revealed no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the turn that led to low rotor RPM.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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