Robinson R44 N7186Z

Summary

On 23 August 2010 at about 01:19 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N7186Z, operated by Point Zero Corporation, was involved in an accident near San Diego, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 August 2010 at 01:19

Classification

Accident

Location

San Diego, California, United States

Coordinates

32.6892, -117.1528

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N7186Z

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Point Zero Corporation

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

San Diego → San Diego

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR10LA420

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure and at an airspeed of 60 knots, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that the airspeed decreased, the low rotor rpm horn sounded, and the manifold pressure increased. The pilot then began to maneuver the helicopter into the wind for an autorotation; however, the helicopter was descending rapidly, and the pilot was unable turn completely into the wind prior to touchdown. About 100 feet above water level, he deployed the helicopter’s floats and pulled the nose up into a flare. The tailboom hit the water first, and the helicopter subsequently sank. During the postaccident airframe examination, it was noted that the carburetor heat tab had been released, and the carburetor heat knob, which is located in the center console, was in the OFF (down) position. Further examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would preclude normal operation. The conditions encountered at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing for glide power and icing for glide and cruise power. As a result of the pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat, it is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.