Robinson R-22B N707RG

Summary

On 7 September 2002 at about 16:30 local time, a Robinson R-22B registered N707RG was involved in an accident near Jamestown, Kentucky, United States. 2 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

7 September 2002 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Jamestown, Kentucky, United States

Nearest airport

Russell County (K24)

Coordinates

36.9031, -85.0242

Aircraft

Robinson R-22B

Registration

N707RG

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jamestown → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC02LA186

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper descent rate, which resulted in low rotor rpm and a collision with water.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was being utilized by a photographer to take pictures of boats during a race conducted on a lake. According to the pilot, the helicopter was about 200 feet above the lake, when he spotted a boat that was not previously photographed. The pilot made a left turn and began a descent to keep pace with the boat. The pilot further stated "...I noticed an abnormal sink rate and put in aft cyclic. The rate did not arrest, so I brought in more aft cyclic along with collective power. As I came into about 50 to 100 feet agl, I heard a low RPM warning horn. I continued to slow the [helicopter], while rolling on throttle. The descent rate brought the [helicopter] in contact with the water." The helicopter sank and came to rest at a depth of about 115 feet. It was not recovered.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.