Robinson R22 BETA N927SH

Summary

On 3 May 2011 at about 16:15 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N927SH, operated by Prentice Aviation Inc, was involved in an accident near Yancey, Texas, United States. 2 people were 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

3 May 2011 at 16:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Yancey, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.1819, -99.2061

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N927SH

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Prentice Aviation Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Yancey → Yancey

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN11LA318

Nobody was injured.

The loss of engine power due to the unintentional closure of the fuel shutoff valve.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While maneuvering at a low altitude, the pilot heard the engine noise change and the low rpm warning horn sound. The helicopter settled to the ground and rolled onto its right side. While exiting the helicopter the pilot noted that the fuel shutoff valve had been moved 3/4 of the way towards the closed position. The pilot concluded that either the passenger's clothing or seat belt had inadvertently closed the fuel valve when the passenger had moved near the valve which resulted in the loss of engine power. Due to the low altitude, the pilot was unable to perform an autorotation in time. A postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The helicopter was equipped with an older style fuel shutoff valve that had a handle that could be easily moved; however, a newer spring-loaded fuel shutoff valve was available that would have prevented inadvertent valve actuation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.