Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22 MARINER near Oak Island, NC — 2012-06-14

Final reportERA12LA399
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Date
2012-06-14
Location
Oak Island, NC, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22 MARINER
Registration
N1089N
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly execute the helicopter practice autorotation recovery, which resulted in a collision with the water.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the helicopter was established in cruise flight at 600 feet mean sea level and an airspeed of 75 knots when she entered a practice autorotation over the ocean, with the intention of a power recovery. The pilot lowered the collective pitch to the full down position and rolled the throttle to the full off position. The pilot then raised the collective pitch and the main rotor rpm started to decrease and the low main rotor audio sounded. The pilot increased the throttle and increased collective, and the main rotor rpm continued to decrease. The helicopter continued to descend until it impacted the ocean and rolled over inverted. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger stated there were no mechanical problems with the helicopter.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have aborted the autorotation due to passenger's discomfort and lack of experience.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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