Robinson R44 N828PM

Summary

On 15 September 2011 at about 22:50 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N828PM was involved in an accident near Ocate, New Mexico, 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

15 September 2011 at 22:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Ocate, New Mexico, United States

Coordinates

36.2556, -105.0561

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N828PM

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ocate → Ocate

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN11LA648

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and a partial loss of engine power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was about 80 to 150 feet above ground level with the airspeed about 10 to 15 knots, when the pilot got a low rotor rpm warning, and the engine lost power. The pilot lowered the collective pitch lever, put in right pedal, and kept “full throttle.” The helicopter made two to three complete 360 degree turns before it impacted terrain. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an engine operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at cruise power. The pilot reported that he had possibly failed to use enough carburetor heat and he thought that was the reason for the loss of engine power. An examination of the helicopter showed no preimpact mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.