Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R22 BETA near Asherton, TX — 2016-10-28

Final reportCEN17LA099
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Date
2016-10-28
Location
Asherton, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON R22 BETA
Registration
N522KC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the magneto's internal timing during low-altitude maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter experienced a loss in rotor rpm while maneuvering during a low-level wildlife survey. The commercial pilot then performed a forced landing to a field. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that one of the engine magnetos had an internal timing, efficiency gap failure, which would have resulted in improper engine ignition timing and loss of engine power/rpm. Examination also revealed that the magneto distributer gear was loose and that the distributer gear bushing was flapping around.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing engine performance issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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