Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Reserve, LA — 2021-06-10

Final reportCEN21LA284
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Date
2021-06-10
Location
Reserve, LA, USA
Airport
APS
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N202SM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he started the helicopter at the refueling pad and hover-taxied to the taxiway and then onto the runway. He increased collective and started the takeoff sequence. When the helicopter was about 10 ft above the runway, and airspeed reached about 20 kts, the engine lost total power. The helicopter touched down hard onto the runway surface. The right landing skid collapsed, and the helicopter slid off the runway surface onto the grass. The helicopter’s lower fuselage structure sustained substantial damage. Examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure of the engine that would have precluded normal operation. No determination was made as to the reason for the reported loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon hearing engine sputtering sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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