Robinson R44 N233MP

Summary

On 3 January 2000 at about 18:30 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N233MP, operated by Avietch, was involved in an accident near Cayey. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 January 2000 at 18:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Cayey

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N233MP

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Avietch

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

San Juan → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA00FA060

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat as required by the Pilot's Operating Handbook resulting in a loss of engine and rotor rpm, forced landing to none suitable terrain (residence), and subsequent roll over.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was in cruise flight at 700 feet over a residential area when the helicopter experienced a reported loss of engine and rotor rpm. The pilot did not activate the carburetor heat as required by the pilot operating handbook. The pilot lowered the collective pitch and increased throttle with negative results. He initiated a forced landing to a field but realized he would not be able to reach it. He made a forced landing to a residential carport. The right skid slipped through the roof, the aircraft rolled over on its right side and the main rotor blades collided with the roof. Examination of the airframe and flight controls revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The engine assembly was removed and mounted in a dynamometer test cell. The engine was started and produced engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.