Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22 near Hawley, TX — 2022-04-05

Final reportCEN22LA167
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Date
2022-04-05
Location
Hawley, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22
Registration
N999FR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s poor decision to exit the helicopter with the engine and main rotor still operating.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he landed and exited the helicopter and stood just outside of the door. The helicopter “picked up, spun around,” and knocked the pilot onto the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its left side resulting in substantial damage. The helicopter manufacturer had issued a safety notice SN-17 in 1984. The notice stated in part that the pilot should never exit the helicopter with the engine running and rotors turning as “the collective can creep up, increasing both pitch and throttle, allowing the helicopter to lift off or roll out of control.” The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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