PALM SPRINGS, CA, USA
N971JG
ROBINSON R22
WHILE ENROUTE TO HIS FIRST DESTINATION OF A SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE RECENTLY RATED PILOT OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER'S ENGINE RPM SIGHTLY BELOW THE NORMAL RANGE. HE WAS UNABLE TO INCREASE THE RPM AND ELECTED TO ENTER AN AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT TO THE GROUND. DURING THE AUTOROTATION, HE OBSERVED ELECTRICAL POWER LINES IN HIS FLIGHT PATH AND MANEUVERED TO AVOID THEM. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND SERIOUSLY INJURING THE PILOT.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY MANIPULATE THE THROTTLE CONTROL TO MAINTAIN ENGINE/ROTOR RPM AND HIS DECISION TO ENTER AN AUTOROTATION (FORCED LANDING). HIS EAGERNESS TO LAND AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
