Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Duluth, MN — 2010-09-17

Final reportCEN10LA556
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Date
2010-09-17
Location
Duluth, MN, USA
Airport
DLH
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N145DM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent due to spatial disorientation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he lifted the helicopter into a hover and subsequently established a 600 foot-per-minute rate of climb at 60 knots airspeed to depart the area. As the helicopter climbed out, he reported a sinking feeling in the seat and noticed that the vertical speed indicator displayed a descent. The pilot increased the engine power but the helicopter continued to descend. The pilot could not discern his exact height above the water because of the night lighting conditions and thought that the helicopter was higher off the water than it was; as a result, he did not flare prior to impact. A witness reported that the liftoff and initial climb also appeared normal and that the helicopter appeared to be level and remain in controlled flight the entire time. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The witness commented that the conditions were dark at the time of the accident, but there was a distinguishable horizon. The light wind reported at the time of the accident and lack of convective activity in the area is inconsistent with a downdraft or microburst condition.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Spatial disorientation
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight due to night conditions and lack of instrument rating.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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