Robinson R-22 N4062X

Summary

On 24 August 2004 at about 19:00 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N4062X was involved in an accident near West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 August 2004 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Coordinates

26.5928, -80.0850

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N4062X

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

West Plam Beach → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA04LA122

2 people had minor injuries.

The partial loss of engine power due to low cylinder compression during recovery from a practice autorotation resulting in a hard landing and damage to the helicopter.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was practicing autorotations with the instructor at an indicated altitude from about 1,500 to 500 feet. The flight instructor decided to fly back to their departure airport, and while doing so the flight instructor idled the helicopter engine to simulate an engine out for the student pilot. When the student pilot went to recover from the simulated engine out, the helicopter engine did not respond to any power inputs. The flight instructor heard a low RPM horn, and took over the flight controls of the helicopter. The instructor proceeded to re-enter autorotation, flared, leveled the helicopter, and landed in an uneven field. The helicopter came to rest on its side. The helicopter engine was removed from the airframe and taken to a certified engine overhaul facility with NTSB and FAA oversight. The engine operated through several parameters, engine start, magneto check, and a series of several rapid throttle advancements from idle, to full engine power. No abnormalities were noted with the test. A differential compression check was conducted and the following compressions were recorded: Cylinder one, 15/80 PSI, cylinder two, 15/80 PSI, cylinder three, 20/80 PSI, cylinder four, 15/80 PSI. The cylinders were removed, and sent to ECI, Engine Components Inc., for further examination of the pistons and cylinders, with FAA oversight. Pistons, pistons pins, and combustion chambers of all four cylinders displayed discoloration, consistent with of high engine temperature operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.