Pilot Debrief

Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta near New Braunfels, TX — 2013-06-06

Final reportCEN13LA325
Sign in to save
Date
2013-06-06
Location
New Braunfels, TX, USA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta
Registration
N137DF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare during an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing, and a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after completing a low pass and while in a climbing right turn, he heard the engine "sputter" and then noted that both the engine and main rotor speeds had dropped. The pilot stated that he entered an autorotation to a field because there was not enough altitude to fully recover from the partial loss of engine power. The helicopter bounced during the initial collision with terrain. A postaccident examination of the helicopter and an operational test run of the engine did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the climb after hearing the engine sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

Related mishaps