Robinson R22 BETA N4073Q

Summary

On 11 December 2012 at about 16:20 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N4073Q, operated by Smith David L Trustee, was involved in an accident near Rawlins, Wyoming, 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

11 December 2012 at 16:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Rawlins, Wyoming, United States

Nearest airport

Rawlins (KRWL)

Coordinates

41.8056, -107.2003

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N4073Q

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Smith David L Trustee

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Ferry

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Rawlins → Laramie

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR13CA067

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm during takeoff, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rollover.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting a high density altitude takeoff in the single-engine helicopter in gusting wind conditions. He reported that while accelerating to best rate of climb speed, the main rotor low rpm horn sounded at 97 percent, and he unsuccessfully attempted to increase the main rotor rpm back to 102 percent. The pilot aborted the takeoff and sought a landing site near the departure end of the runway; the helicopter subsequently touched down at a high rate of descent in a gravel parking lot adjacent to the airport and rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom assembly and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that the helicopter takeoff weight was 66 pounds below gross takeoff weight. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented by shipping all personal items not required for flight to the next low altitude airport along his route of flight. A successful takeoff should have been possible at the reported takeoff weight. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.