Accident · 2013-03-14
What the record says
- Event date
- 2013-03-14
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- No injuries
- Aircraft
- ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (N392GP)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- LEADING EDGE AVIATION INC Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- Leading Edge Aviation, Inc.
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to a rapid throttle change during autorotation, which the flight instructor initiated in response to a low rotor rpm warning, which resulted from the separation of one of the magnets used to provide rotor rpm indications from the rotating transmission yoke. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's aft cyclic input upon landing.
Source: NTSB case CEN13LA194Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight instructor | Flight instructor / Commercial | Helicopter | 33 | Class 2 (2012-04-03) | 797 total · 282 in this make/model · 735 as PIC · 144 last 90 days |
| Pilot | Private | None | 31 | Class 2 (2011-01-10) | 202 total · 73 in this make/model · 79 as PIC · 68 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.