Robinson R22 BETA N4052G

Summary

On 14 December 2011 at about 16:33 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N4052G, operated by Raytheon Missile Systems, was involved in an accident near Tucson, Arizona, United States. One person was 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

14 December 2011 at 16:33

Classification

Accident

Location

Tucson, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Coordinates

32.1022, -110.9572

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N4052G

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Raytheon Missile Systems

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tucson → Tucson

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR12FA066

1 person was seriously injured.

A loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat while maneuvering. .

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying a series of maneuvers when he broadcasted to the local air traffic controller a loss of engine power. During the forced landing, the helicopter impacted terrain and was found resting on its right side. The pilot did not recall the events of the accident. During the postaccident airframe and engine examinations, the engine was started and operated over a range of power settings, from idle to full power. After several minutes of normal operation, the engine was shut down. Further examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. During the cabin examination, the carburetor heat control knob was found in the down or “OFF” position. The latch that locks the carburetor control knob in the down position was found engaged around the shaft of the control knob. The latch and its attachment bracket were bent upward. A review of the carburetor icing chart revealed that the helicopter was operating in an area conducive to serious icing at cruise power. It is likely that the pilot did not utilize carburetor heat, which resulted in the accumulation of ice in the carburetor and the subsequent loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.