CircumFlightN69MP Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II accident
NTSB CEN14CA360 · 2014-07-11 · Englewood, CO · near KAPA
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
One witness reported seeing the helicopter transition to the west with "low power indications" and "multiple yaws." The helicopter settled to the ground and then struck a fuel trailer near the taxiway, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom. According to the pilot, he transitioned the helicopter to a hover and taxied adjacent to the taxiway. When he attempted a forward takeoff from the hover, the "low rotor rpm warning sounded, the helicopter lost lift," and he performed a "running landing." He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter during the flight. An examination of the helicopter confirmed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the helicopter.
Full narrative
One witness reported seeing the helicopter transition to the west with "low power indications" and "multiple yaws." The helicopter settled to the ground and then struck a fuel trailer near the taxiway. According to the pilot, he transitioned the helicopter to a hover and taxied adjacent to the taxiway. When he attempted a forward takeoff from the hover, the "low rotor rpm warning sounded, the helicopter lost lift," and he performed a "running landing." He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter during the flight. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the helicopter. One tail rotor blade and the stabilizer separated from the tail boom.
Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff resulting in low rotor rpm and impact of the fuel trailer during the running landing. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 0
- Temperature (F)
- 68
- Nearest airport
- Centennial
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 5880
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N69MP | ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY | R44 II | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maneuvering-hover Low altitude operation/event defining | Climb |
| 2 | Maneuvering-hover Loss of control in flight | Climb |
| 3 | Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Cruise |