Robinson R-22 N871CL

Summary

On 29 August 2004 at about 22:02 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N871CL, operated by Helicopter Flight Training, Inc., was involved in an accident near Northport, New York, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 August 2004 at 22:02

Classification

Accident

Location

Northport, New York, United States

Coordinates

40.9283, -73.3417

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N871CL

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Helicopter Flight Training, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Islip → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC04FA197

2 people died.

An improper maneuver by the flightcrew while attempting to avoid a kite, which resulted in mast bumping, the separation of the main rotor system, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent into water.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and the pilot departed on an instructional flight, and about 45 minutes later, witnesses observed the helicopter flying along a beach between 100 and 200 feet agl. One witness reported that the helicopter contacted a kite. Immediately thereafter, witnesses heard a loud "cracking" or "popping" noise, and the main rotor separated. The helicopter subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the water. Examination of the main rotor mast fracture surfaces revealed signatures consistent with overload. The cockpit also exhibited damage consistent with main rotor contact. No evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure was noted. According to the pilot's operating handbook for the helicopter, "Pushing the cyclic forward following a pull-up or rapid climb, or even from level flight, produces a low-G (weightless) flight condition..." and "...mast bumping can occur. Severe in-flight mast bumping usually results in main rotor shaft separation and/or rotor blade contact with the fuselage."

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.