Robinson R-22 N151RM

Summary

On 15 April 1999 at about 18:45 local time, a Robinson R-22 registered N151RM, operated by Helicopter Flight Training Inc, was involved in an accident near Port Jefferson, New York, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 April 1999 at 18:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Port Jefferson, New York, United States

Coordinates

40.9401, -73.0507

Aircraft

Robinson R-22

Registration

N151RM

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Helicopter Flight Training Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ronkonkoma → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC99LA090

Nobody was injured.

the lack of supervision by the flight instructor which resulted in a low rotor condition and subsequent hard landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The private pilot was receiving rotorcraft instruction and was on approach to land. As the helicopter passed through about 15 feet, the flight instructor was also on the flight controls. The airspeed was about 20 MPH, with a descent of 200-300 FPM. When the collective was raised the helicopter continued to descend, landed hard, and rolled over. When interviewed the flight instructor remembered the LOW ROTOR warning horn had sounded. Post accident examination of the engine and mechanical throttle compensator found no evidence of a mechanical failure. The helicopter manufacturer had published a safety notice which cautioned against airspeed of less than 30 knots until the descent rates were less than 300 FPM.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.