Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 near Torrance, CA — 2016-02-23

Final reportWPR16LA075
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Date
2016-02-23
Location
Torrance, CA, USA
Airport
TOA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66
Registration
N266RH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A vibration of the helicopter, which resulted in an autorotation to soft terrain and subsequent impact of the tail boom with the main rotor. The reason for the vibration could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was performing company flight testing in the helicopter. After performing an air taxi and a hovering autorotation, the pilot conducted a simulated maximum performance takeoff. About 200 ft above ground level, the pilot heard a noise and felt a momentary helicopter vibration. He subsequently performed a precautionary autorotation to a grass area on airport property. The pilot stated that the helicopter had forward speed during the landing and that the grass was soft; as a result, the helicopter entered a fore-aft rocking motion after touchdown, and the main rotor contacted the tail boom, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident review of data from the engine monitoring unit revealed no anomalies, and an examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; therefore, the reason for the noise and vibration could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff after hearing noise and feeling vibration.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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