Robinson R-22 N801EH

Summary

On 5 October 1998 at about 21:05 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N801EH was involved in an accident near Lowerlake, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 October 1998 at 21:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Lowerlake, California, United States

Coordinates

38.8790, -122.5497

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N801EH

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lakeport → Scaramento

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX99FA006

2 people died.

The flight instructor's failure to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight and the failure of the flying pilot to ensure that adequate ground clearance existed between the stinger/tail rotor and the ground during a deceleration while the aircraft was maneuvering for a practice forced landing. The identity of the flying pilot could not be determined. The instructor's decision to perform the maneuver with a gusty, surface tailwind was a factor in this accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

After completing a refueling stop at a nearby airport, the helicopter was next seen flying on a southeasterly heading at low altitude. Gusting winds at the accident site were opposite the direction of flight. The aircraft began a deceleration, the tailboom struck the ground and was severed by the main rotor blades as the aircraft pitched forward. As the nose pitched down, the main rotor blades struck the ground in front of the aircraft and the rotor head separated from the mast. The aircraft then rolled onto its right side with the engine running. A few seconds after impact, the aircraft burst into flames. The throttle was at idle and carburetor heat was applied. The stinger was broken from the empennage. Neither occupant wore fire-retardant apparel. The area of the accident site is commonly used for simulated emergency landings. Insufficient evidence existed to determine which pilot was manipulating the flight controls.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.