Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Rockport, WA — 2012-10-03

Final reportWPR13LA003
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Date
2012-10-03
Location
Rockport, WA, USA
Airport
BVS
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N80140
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while maneuvering, the helicopter’s clutch caution light illuminated. The pilot initiated a precautionary descent and began to slow the helicopter in an effort to locate a clearing in the trees. The clutch caution light was still on after 10 to 12 seconds, so the pilot instructed his passenger to pull the circuit breaker. The pilot spotted a clearing, and shortly thereafter the low rotor rpm warning light illuminated and the horn sounded. The pilot lowered the collective and headed for a landing spot. About 20 to 30 feet above ground level, the pilot flared the helicopter and used the remaining collective control input the last 3 to 5 feet. The helicopter subsequently landed hard in high brush surrounded by tall trees. During the postaccident examination, bench testing of the clutch actuator revealed that the actuator operated normally and within specified limitations. Further examination of the actuator motor found no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the illumination of the clutch light could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed earlier after clutch caution light illuminated.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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