Robinson R-22 BETA N888KB

Summary

On 27 July 2000 at about 16:00 local time, a Robinson R-22 BETA registered N888KB, operated by Gordon Jiroux, was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona, United States. One person was 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

27 July 2000 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.6903, -111.9994

Aircraft

Robinson R-22 BETA

Registration

N888KB

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Gordon Jiroux

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wickenburg → Scottsdale

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX00LA279

Nobody was injured.

The helicopter had a tail rotor failure. The reason for the failure is undetermined.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter had a tail rotor failure while bringing the engine up to full power before takeoff. In preparation for departure, the pilot released the control frictions and began to increase the throttle. As the power approached 95 percent, but before engaging the governor, the aircraft began to shake uncontrollably and the antitorque pedals began to move under his feet. He immediately reduced the throttle to idle, took out the checklist, and shutdown the aircraft per the instructions. He noted visible damage to the tail rotor and vertical stabilizer.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.