Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Mesa, AZ — 2022-09-26

Final reportWPR22LA359
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Date
2022-09-26
Location
Mesa, AZ, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N252SC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter’s rate of descent, resulting in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

While conducting an instructional flight, the flight instructor reported that, he assumed control of the helicopter to demonstrate a left 180° autorotation, and the maneuver began normally. Part way through the maneuver, the pilot noticed that the helicopter was lower in altitude than he expected. He reported that he applied right cyclic and aft cyclic, attempting to slow the rate of descent. The helicopter landed hard and skidded to a stop. When stopped, the flight instructor and the student pilot exited the helicopter, and a postimpact fire ensued. The tail boom and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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