Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 near Canon City, CO — 2017-05-20

Final reportCEN17LA192
Sign in to save
Date
2017-05-20
Location
Canon City, CO, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66
Registration
N778TL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of helicopter control on approach to land due to a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, after completing the local air tour flight in the helicopter, he approached the private helipad location from the south. On approach and about 50-60 kts, the pilot began to arrest the helicopter's descent to view the windsock and determine the proper approach to the helipad. The pilot reported that the wind was from the south, so he decided to make the final approach from the north. About 200 ft above ground level and west of the helipad, the pilot initiated a left turn, and the helicopter started an uncommanded descent. The pilot applied power to stop the descent, but the helicopter continued sinking toward terrain. Due to the low altitude, the pilot committed to land and leveled the helicopter. During the landing, the back of the landing gear skids struck the terrain, which resulted in the main rotor blades contacting and severing the tail boom. Postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation, and both the pilot and the operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures. The pilot's calculated weight and balance was within limits at the time of the accident. A video of the accident sequence was consistent with the pilot's statement. It is likely that, during the descent to land, the helicopter encountered a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition, which resulted in a rapid descent and hard landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach after uncommanded descent began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps