Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Calexico, CA — 2015-02-01

Final reportWPR15LA096
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Date
2015-02-01
Location
Calexico, CA, USA
Airport
CXL
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N510KJ
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight. He reported that, after reaching a field and during the first turn, the engine experienced a partial loss of engine power. During the subsequent attempt to land, the pilot turned the helicopter to avoid power lines. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and rolled onto its right side. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was test run with no anomalies noted. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have heeded previous warning about vibration before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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