Robinson R22 Beta, G-DERB, 15 November 2004

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: General aviation - rotorcraft
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 15 November 2004
• Aircraft type: Robinson R22 Beta
• Location: Biggin Hill, Kent
• Registration: G-DERB

Robinson R22 Beta, G-DERB

Summary:

Following a flight during which an unusual vibration developed, the helicopter landed safely but then experienced intense vibration whilst subsequently hover taxiing to a maintenance organisation. Inspection showed that one of the main rotor blades had cracked from the trailing edge, through approximately 75% of its chord, as far as the spar at about the 1/3 span position. The teeter hinge was found to be extremely stiff, and this had been assembled about 20 hours beforehand without the necessary shims. The cracking was attributed to higher than normal stresses caused by the stiff teeter hinge.

Download report:

Robinson R22 Beta, G-DERB 8-05.pdf (495.69 kb)

Published 10 December 2014