Robinson R22 Beta accident near Arlington, WA
On November 27, 2004, a Robinson R22 Beta (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Arlington, WA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- November 27, 2004
- Place
- Arlington, WA
- Aircraft
- Robinson R22 Beta · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 48.193°N, 122.151°W
- NTSB ID
- 20041207X01933
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On November 27, 2004, about 0935 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N4029Q, registered to and operated by a private individual, was destroyed while maneuvering when it experienced an in flight break-up followed by impact with the terrain during an uncontrolled descent near Arlington, Washington. The flight instructor and the pilot-rated student sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight departed the Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO), Arlington, Washington, at approximately 0930. In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC), two witnesses reported that on the morning of the accident, at approximately 0920, they observed the helicopter being started and lifting off the ground before moving to the run-up area, which is located at the southeast corner of runway 34-16. The witnesses stated that the helicopter then settled onto the ground facing north-northwest [320 degrees], and remained there for the next 2 minutes at takeoff RPM. The witnesses reported that the helicopter then lifted off the ground to about 3 to 4 feet before turning slightly to the right, then making a left turn of approximately 320 degrees before slowly accelerating and aligning itself parallel to the taxiway. The witnesses stated that the helicopter then slowly climbed to 75 to 100 feet above ground level (agl) before departing to the north, and at all times the helicopter sounded normal and was very
Probable cause
The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, resulting in rotor contact with the aircraft's left windscreen. The failure of the door pins to be installed was a factor.
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Browse: Washington · Robinson aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
