Robinson R22 BETA N983KC

Summary

On 19 May 2005 at about 21:41 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N983KC, operated by A Flight Above, was involved in an accident near St. George, Utah, 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

19 May 2005 at 21:41

Classification

Accident

Location

St. George, Utah, United States

Nearest airport

St George Municipal (SGU)

Coordinates

37.1804, -113.6003

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N983KC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

A Flight Above

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

St. George → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN05LA081

2 people had minor injuries.

the pilot's improper autorotation. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight instructor said the student entered the autorotation and completed a 180-degree turn at an altitude of approximately 250 feet agl. There was a noticeable lateral vibration of the airframe and a rapid increase in descent rate. The instructor took control, advanced the throttle, and noticed that the rotor and engine rpm needles were "joined" just below 100 percent rpm. He said he did not understand why the helicopter had a descent rate greater than 1,500 feet per minute when the engine was at full power and rotor rpm was at 100 per cent rpm. Neither pilot heard the LOW ROTOR RPM warning. The instructor attempted to flare but there was insufficient time, and the helicopter impacted terrain and rolled over. Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies. There were dust devils in the area after the accident occurred.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.