Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R44 near Ogden, UT — 2011-02-04

Final reportWPR11CA121
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Date
2011-02-04
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON R44
Registration
N441TB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The certified flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor blade rpm during a practice autorotation, resulting in a hard landing and rollover.

NTSB narrative

After completing several practice landings and autorotations at the airport, the certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot departed for the practice area. The CFI demonstrated straight-in and 180-degree autorotations; the first 180-degree attempt began at 6,000 feet mean sea level and at 55-60 knots. During the second 180-degree attempt, he started about 200 feet lower. The airspeed bled off to about 50 knots during the turn, and the main rotor blades’ rpms began decaying rapidly. About 200 feet above ground level the CFI attempted a power recovery, but the rpms did not increase with an increase in throttle. He unsuccessfully attempted to flair to bring the rpms back before attempting a full down autorotation. He put the helicopter in a level attitude prior to contact with the ground and the helicopter bounced upon initial contact; on the second contact, the right skid dug into the muddy ground and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the airframe and rotor blades. The pilots stated that the helicopter had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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