Robinson R22 BETA N7040C

Summary

On 29 March 2002 at about 23:15 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N7040C, operated by Silver State Flight School, was involved in an accident near North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one 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

29 March 2002 at 23:15

Classification

Accident

Location

North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Nearest airport

North Las Vegas (VGT)

Coordinates

36.2117, -115.1958

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N7040C

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Silver State Flight School

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

North Las Vegas → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX02LA119

1 person was seriously injured.

The failure of the flight instructor to properly judge the landing flare and add adequate cyclic, resulting in a hard landing which collapsed the left skid. The wind gusts were a factor.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter collided with the ground and rolled over while practicing autorotations. After arrival in the practice area, the instructor orbited the landing area and determined the wind direction. Three practice traffic patterns to normal hover were conducted and the instructor next wanted to demonstrate an autorotation touchdown. The helicopter was climbed to about 800 feet agl and the instructor checked the wind conditions and the engine instruments one more time, then entered a standard autorotation into the wind. About 40 feet agl he began a cyclic flare and noticed that the ground was coming up more quickly than it should. He continued the flare to reduce the descent rate and airspeed; however, the helicopter did not respond. He then reapplied the engine power and pulled up on the collective. He noted that the low rotor rpm horn came on just before impact. The helicopter hit the ground, skidded approximately 100 feet, and then came to rest on its left side. According to the student, the engine was running after the accident and there were no prior mechanical malfunctions. Winds at the time of the accident were reported to be from 060 at 5 knots, gusting to 14 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.