Robinson R22 Beta II — Other Documents

This document is an ATSB Transport Safety Report detailing an aviation occurrence involving a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter during a mercy flight in response to flooding in Queensland, Australia. The report outlines the events leading to the incident, the pilot's actions, and the subsequent investigation findings. It serves as a critical analysis of the decision-making process under emergency conditions, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and adherence to operational guidelines. The report is intended for aviation professionals, safety regulators, and those interested in helicopter operations and emergency response protocols.

• The Robinson R22 Beta II has a maximum take-off weight of 622 kg and a payload capacity of approximately 215 kg.
• The helicopter was overloaded by 46 kg at the time of the incident, affecting its performance.
• The pilot had 11,400 hours of flying experience, including 800 hours on the R22.
• Low RPM warning activates below 97% rotor speed, requiring immediate corrective action.
• The helicopter's performance was marginal due to high humidity and overload conditions.