# NTSB WPR13LA003: Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N80140, Rockport, WA, October 3, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 3, 2012, 13:40 local (20:40 UTC) - Place: Rockport, WA - Coordinates: 48.918609, -121.352775 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.9186&lon=-121.3528&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 12, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA-FSDO, Robinson Helicopter Company - NTSB case key (mKey): 85254 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR13LA003 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/85254/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85254 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA003 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a hard landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 96 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 54 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that while maneuvering, the helicopter’s clutch caution light illuminated. The pilot initiated a precautionary descent and began to slow the helicopter in an effort to locate a clearing in the trees. The clutch caution light was still on after 10 to 12 seconds, so the pilot instructed his passenger to pull the circuit breaker. The pilot spotted a clearing, and shortly thereafter the low rotor rpm warning light illuminated and the horn sounded. The pilot lowered the collective and headed for a landing spot. About 20 to 30 feet above ground level, the pilot flared the helicopter and used the remaining collective control input the last 3 to 5 feet. The helicopter subsequently landed hard in high brush surrounded by tall trees. During the postaccident examination, bench testing of the clutch actuator revealed that the actuator operated normally and within specified limitations. Further examination of the actuator motor found no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the illumination of the clutch light could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On October 3, 2012, about 1340 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N80140, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing approximately 32 nautical miles north of Rockport, Washington in the North Cascades National Park. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The helicopter had substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage. The helicopter was registered to Emerald City Aircraft Leasing and operated by Glacier Aviation Inc., of Burlington, Washington, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Skagit Regional Airport, Burlington, Washington about 1230. The pilot reported that while maneuvering the clutch caution light illuminated and stayed on steady. The pilot initiated a descent and began to slow in an effort to locate a clearing in the trees. The light was still on after 10 to 12 seconds so the pilot instructed his passenger to pull the circuit breaker. A clearing was spotted and shortly thereafter the low rotor RPM warning light illuminated and the horn sounded. The pilot lowered the collective and headed for a landing spot. The pilot flared about 20 to 30 feet and utilized collective control the last three to five feet. The helicopter subsequently landed hard in high brush surrounded by tall trees. A National Park Service representatives video taped the accident site on October 15, 2012 and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board, investigator-in-charge. The videos show the helicopter in high brush surrounded by tall trees. The video revealed the separation of the tailboom and damage to the tail rotor blades. The fuselage was buckled in several areas. The wreckage was relocated to a secure facility for further examination. A follow-up examination of the wreckage was conducted and revealed that more of the fuselage was buckled. The left skid assembly was damaged and the rear cross-tube was bent. The drive belts were tight and properly positioned on both the upper and lower sheaves. The condition of the drive belts were unremarkable. The upper sheave had light marks along the outer circumference of the upper sheave. The drive belt contact areas on both sheaves were unremarkable. The clutch actuator was found in the extended position. The exposed actuator shaft was about 1 1/2 inches in length. The down limit screw was extended about 3/4-inches below its support bracket. The clutch actuator was operated from the ‘Disengaged’ to ‘Engaged’ switch positions. During the actuation of the clutch actuator the actuator motor made a noise that was not consistent in tone and had intermittent squealing throughout the actuator’s full range of travel. The actuator moved in both directions from stop to stop. No other anomalies were noted. The clutch actuator was removed and examined at the facilities of the Robinson Helicopter Company. The actuator was installed on test benches andoperated normally and within limits. The actuator was disassembled and no anomalies were noted. The actuator motor was removed from the actuator and disassembled. The wiring grommet was damaged and was found in two parts. The magnets were removed and dusting was visible on the interior side of both magnets and on the rotor. The brushes and commutator showed signs of normal operation. The electrical cap assembly had dusting near the commutator area. The bearing on the output shaft side felt slightly rough when rotated by hand. No other anomalies were noted. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80140](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80140), registered now, S/N 1030, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 1030 - Airframe hours: 7502 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Operator: Glacier Aviation, Inc. - Registered owner: Carter Richard K - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, September 4, 2012, 48 hours before - Departed: KBVS, Burlington, WA - Destination: KBVS, Burlington, WA - Airport: BVS, Skagit Regional Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 11, 2011; seat: right; flight hours: 646 total, 198 in this make and model, 553 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.37 inHg - Observed at: BVS, 50 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20121003022809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20121003022809A), Oct 3, 2012: Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, Rockport, WA, Substantial damage. October 03, 2012 N80140 a Robinson R22 helicopter departed Skagit Regional Airport (kbvs) to the north towards Mt. Baker climbing to approximately 4500 feet… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 12, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85254. 9.4 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388997&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - NTSB-Airframe and Engine Examination Report (item 2, .PDF, 137 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40394176&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB-Airframe%20and%20Engine%20Examination%20Report-Master.PDF - Email Communication-1 (item 3, .PDF, 79 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40394723&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Email%20Communication-1-Redacted.PDF - Email Communication-2 (item 4, .PDF, 105 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40394724&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Email%20Communication-2-Redacted.PDF - NTSB-Component Examination Report (item 5, .PDF, 91 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40394182&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB-Component%20Examination%20Report-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 6, .PDF, 226 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388981&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 7, .PDF, 398 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40394181&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - National Park Service-Onsite Photo (item 8, .PDF, 5.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388973&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=National%20Park%20Service-Onsite%20Photo-Master.PDF - Video 1 - Clutch Actuation (item 9, .PDF, 199 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40392127&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Video%201%20-%20Clutch%20Actuation-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.