Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22 near Chandler, AZ — 2021-10-01

Final reportWPR22FA001
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Date
2021-10-01
Location
Chandler, AZ, USA
Airport
CHD
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22
Registration
N412TL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The failure of the pilots onboard the airplane to see and avoid the helicopter while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB narrative

A low-wing airplane and a helicopter, both of which were operating as instructional flights with flight instructors onboard, were performing takeoffs and landings at the tower-controlled airport in day visual meteorological conditions. The helicopter was performing right traffic patterns to the taxiway that paralleled the runway, while the airplane was performing right traffic patterns, outside of and above the helicopter pattern, to the runway. The helicopter had been cleared for “the option” to the taxiway, while the airplane was cleared to land shortly thereafter. After receiving landing clearance, the instructor onboard the airplane elected to conduct a simulated engine failure to a full-stop landing, reducing the engine power to idle abeam the approach end of the runway, but did not advise the tower controller of his intentions. While on final approach, the instructor took control of the airplane and entered a forward slip. The instructor and student then heard and felt a loud “bang” and the instructor declared an emergency, thinking that the airplane had impacted birds. Flight track information, witness statements, and damage to the airplane indicated that the airplane descended into the helicopter while both aircraft were on final approach for landing. Review of tower control communications indicated that the accident airplane had been advised and was aware of helicopters operating to the parallel taxiway. The tower controller cleared the airplane to land behind a twin-engine airplane, and advised of a helicopter low and to the airplane's right (the accident helicopter). The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the failure of the pilots onboard the airplane to see and avoid the helicopter during landing approach, resulting in a collision with the helicopter. It is possible that the airplane’s low-wing configuration and steep descent while in the forward slip may have contributed to the pilots’ failure to see the helicopter below them.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
The airplane could have maintained a higher altitude to avoid the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17

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