SEA95LA124

During a solo instructional flight, the pilot was practicing an approach with an approximate 30-45 degree descent angle. The pilot stated that 'things were happening fast,' and that he did not flare the helicopter in time to avoid a hard landing.

On June 21, 1995, at 1900 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N709JV, landed hard in an open field near Renton, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight had originated from the Renton Airport, Renton, Washington, at 1845.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he flew to the practice area to practice approaches, landings, and hovering maneuvers. During the first approach, the pilot stated that "...things were starting to happen fast. The only thing that I could think of was to land." The helicopter landed hard, bounced and started to roll to the left, however, the main rotor blade contacted the ground and the helicopter righted itself.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Renton, Washington, Flight Standards District Office, reported that the pilot stated to him that a normal approach was made with an approximate 30-45 degree descent angle. The pilot stated that he did not flare the helicopter in time and it landed hard.