Helo Impacted While Inverted, Uncorrected Low 'G' Situation Likely Cause

A probable cause report by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority said a pilot's inexperience in operating the Robinson R-22 helicopter likely led to a fatal accident in 2004.

Pilot Chris Barnes, 50, had purchased his new R-22 (type shown above) just before the accident that claimed his life and that of his passenger, Kim Austin, 45, January 10, 2004, according to the Rotorua Daily Post.

The flight was reportedly the first Barnes had flown in the accident aircraft. He had just slightly more than 21 hours in type, according to the CAA report; Barnes was reportedly used to flying heavier helicopters such as his Hughes 369E.

According to the report, "An uncorrected low 'g' situation is likely to have initiated the accident sequence. The reason for the low 'g' situation could not be determined. The pilot had limited experience on the R22, having done the majority of his flying on the Hughes 500 series helicopter."

The helo impacted freshly sown soil while inverted. There was evidence the engine was not running, and there was no rotor movement at the time of impact.

Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were not an issue. "The weather was fine with blue skies and little or no wind so weather is not considered to be a factor in this accident," stated the report.

Barnes was a world champion speedboat racer and racecar driver.

FMI: www.caa.govt.nz