Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R44 near San Diego, CA — 2010-08-23

Final reportWPR10LA420
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Date
2010-08-23
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON R44
Registration
N7186Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure and at an airspeed of 60 knots, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that the airspeed decreased, the low rotor rpm horn sounded, and the manifold pressure increased. The pilot then began to maneuver the helicopter into the wind for an autorotation; however, the helicopter was descending rapidly, and the pilot was unable turn completely into the wind prior to touchdown. About 100 feet above water level, he deployed the helicopter’s floats and pulled the nose up into a flare. The tailboom hit the water first, and the helicopter subsequently sank. During the postaccident airframe examination, it was noted that the carburetor heat tab had been released, and the carburetor heat knob, which is located in the center console, was in the OFF (down) position. Further examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would preclude normal operation. The conditions encountered at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing for glide power and icing for glide and cruise power. As a result of the pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat, it is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not apply carburetor heat before takeoff from the yacht.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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