Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Bryant, IA — 2024-08-03

Final reportCEN24LA303
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Date
2024-08-03
Location
Bryant, IA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N225ML
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, resulting in impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

After takeoff from an agricultural load truck in a helicopter loaded with mixed liquid product to apply to a corn field, the pilot noticed a drop in rotor rpm. The pilot followed an area of terrain that sloped downward in an attempt to gain airspeed. The pilot attempted to increase rotor rpm but was unsuccessful. The pilot flared the helicopter while attempting to land; however, the helicopter impacted an area of rising terrain and came to rest on its left side. The pilot was able to exit the helicopter without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor system, tail cone, and tail rotor system. Examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no indication of a pre-impact malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The governor system components were tested and no failures or malfunctions were found. Although the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at glide power, the reported power loss occurred while at takeoff power. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power described by the pilot could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing drop in rotor rpm.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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