Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Maricopa, AZ — 2024-06-06

Final reportWPR24LA183
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Date
2024-06-06
Location
Maricopa, AZ, USA
Airport
A39
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N7514V
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s unstabilized approach during an autorotation that resulted in hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor of the helicopter reported that, he initiated the autorotation from about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl). As they were descending toward the runway, the instructor noted his airspeed at 55 kts and a high rate of descent. He began the flare, but the rate of descent continued, so he attempted a power recovery. The helicopter continued to descend, and he raised the collective, to cushion the landing. The helicopter landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom and vertical stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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