Pilot Debrief

Robinson R-22 near Refugio, TX — 2008-08-29

Final reportDEN08CA148
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Date
2008-08-29
Location
Refugio, TX, USA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Registration
N2312
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and non-rated passenger were conducting a wildlife survey of a ranch. According to the pilot he was maneuvering to land on a ranch road at about 50-60 feet and turned into the wind. During the turn he got too slow and the low rotor horn sounded and the low rotor light illuminated. He was unable to recover the descent or go around, resulting in a hard landing. During the landing a main rotor contacted the tail boom. An examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom separated from the fuselage.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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