Pilot Debrief

Robinson R22 near Bradenton Beach, FL — 2019-04-13

Final reportERA19TA153
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Date
2019-04-13
Location
Bradenton Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Registration
N689M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to execute a low altitude turn that resulted in a strong tailwind and to reduce the airspeed to 0 knots and the flight instructor's diverted attention and inadequate monitoring, which resulted in the helicopter settling with power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during an instructional flight, he was flying the helicopter about 100 ft above water while the flight instructor took photographs. The pilot executed a 180° turn into a tailwind. The flight instructor stated that the pilot then pulled back on the cyclic and the airspeed reduced to 0 knots. The pilot indicated that immediately after the turn, the helicopter lost power and/or lift and that “the wind might have shifted.” The helicopter quickly settled with power and impacted the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor, fuselage, and tailboom. The flight instructor stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. He further reported that the accident happened so fast that he did not have time to take the controls and recover. The pilot’s low altitude turn into the tailwind and reduction in airspeed led to the helicopter settling with power. The flight instructor's diverted attention likely precluded adequate monitoring and delayed his recognition of the conditions that led to the helicopter settling with power and thus provide appropriate remedial action.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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