Summary
On 27 November 2011, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta II, registered VH-RKN, departed Kununurra, Western Australia on a private flight. The pilot was the sole occupant of the helicopter.
Whilst manoeuvring for a landing the low rotor RPM light and horn activated. The pilot was unable to recover the rotor RPM nor arrest the rate of descent and the helicopter landed heavily and sustained serious damage, however the pilot was uninjured.
Robinson Helicopter Company has identified low rotor RPM as a significant factor in helicopter accidents. The training requirements in regard to low rotor RPM avoidance and recovery procedures is under review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2011-152 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 27/11/2011 |
| Location | 28 km north east of El Questro |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report release date | 14/03/2012 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Hard landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | R22 |
| Registration | VH-RKN |
| Serial number | 4003 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Kununurra, WA |
| Destination | Kununurra, WA |
| Damage | Substantial |