Robinson R22 BETA N747ER

Summary

On 21 July 2009 at about 16:00 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N747ER, operated by Guidance Helicopters, Inc., was involved in an accident near Jerome, Arizona, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 July 2009 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Jerome, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

34.7958, -112.1950

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N747ER

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Guidance Helicopters, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Prescott → Prescott

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR09CA360

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm's, and the certified flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the flight.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was undergoing a stage check by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in preparation for the Commercial Practical flight test. The simulated emergency scenario of illumination of the low fuel light required the pilot to pick a spot and land promptly. He chose a flat area, and noted obstructions, including high power lines. About 300 feet above ground level (agl), he began to slow the helicopter, and check his gauges. The airspeed was about 50 knots, with the rate of descent between 400-500 feet per minute (fpm). He applied carburetor heat, and noted that the manifold pressure was below 18 inches. About 30-45 seconds later, the low rotor revolutions per minute (rpm) warning light illuminated along with the sounding of the corresponding warning horn. The pilot noted a very high vertical descent and he entered an autorotation by applying down collective and aft cyclic. The low rotor rpm horn and light extinguished. The CFI recalled that they were about 200 feet agl and 40-43 knots on final during the maneuver. He heard a noise reduction followed by the low rotor rpm horn and light. He lowered the collective and rolled on throttle. There were no immediate effects so he lowered the collective all the way, and applied aft cyclic aggressively. The rpm was 94-97 percent. With the aft cyclic, he was able to gain rpm, but little to no forward speed. The ground was approaching rapidly, and he pulled up on the collective. The helicopter fell straight down, hit hard, and rolled to the left; it sustained substantial damage. The instructor sustained serious injuries. The engine was operating, so the pilot turned off the ignition. He reported no mechanical irregularities prior to beginning the maneuver.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.