Robinson R22 BETA II N2626N

Summary

On 30 November 2012 at about 20:12 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA II registered N2626N, operated by Fly N Choppers, was involved in an accident near Apollo Beach, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 November 2012 at 20:12

Classification

Accident

Location

Apollo Beach, Florida, United States

Coordinates

27.7806, -82.4314

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA II

Registration

N2626N

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Fly N Choppers

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tampa Bay → Tampa Bay

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA13FA070

1 person died.

Mast bumping for reasons that could not be determined because one main rotor blade was not recovered.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was in cruise flight about 500 feet above ground level, over a bay beach, when both of its main rotor blades separated. The helicopter subsequently descended into the bay, and the wreckage with the exception of the main rotor blades was recovered 2 days later. One main rotor blade was subsequently recovered about 1 month later, and the other main rotor blade was not recovered. With the exception of the separation of the main rotor blades, examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. Metallurgical examination of the rotor hub and the recovered main rotor blade revealed features consistent with overstress, and no preexisting cracking or fatigue was noted. Additionally, damage to the teetering stops on the rotor hub was consistent with mast bumping. The observed mast bumping could have resulted from large, abrupt flight control inputs or from a mechanical failure of the unrecovered main rotor blade. Toxicological testing and review of the pilot's medical records revealed a history of near nightly use of zolpidem (Ambien) as a sleep aid and frequent use of rizatripan (Maxalt) to treat migraine headaches. Neither condition or its respective prescription medication for treatment was reported to the Federal Aviation Administration and if it had been, would have most likely disqualified the pilot for a medical certificate based on the frequency of use/symptoms; however, the investigation could not determine the effects, if any, that the recurrent migraine, chronic zolpidem use, and underlying sleep problems might have had on the pilot at the time of the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.