Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Hillsboro, OR — 2010-06-19

Final reportWPR10LA298
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Date
2010-06-19
Location
Hillsboro, OR, USA
Airport
KHIO
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N2548S
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power while on approach for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

As the pilot was approaching the destination airport after a local flight, the helicopter's engine rpm began to fluctuate between 100 percent and 60 percent. Although lowering the collective and manipulating the throttle temporarily increased the rpm, it began to fluctuate again, with the rpm decreasing. After the low rotor rpm warning horn and light activated, the pilot made the decision to perform an autorotation to a nearby open field. The helicopter touched down on the skids and subsequently rolled over onto its side. Prior to the accident, the helicopter's engine had been reportedly experiencing rpm fluctuations. A postaccident examination was performed on the engine and the magnetos and governor underwent further analysis. No evidence was found of an anomaly or malfunction that would have prevented the engine from producing normal power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Maintenance should have addressed the earlier reported fluctuating engine rpm issue.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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