Robinson R44 N484AB accident near Uvalde, Texas

Probable cause

The slipping of the sprag clutch due to galling of the sprags and corresponding sprag contact surfaces within the clutch assembly, which rendered the helicopter uncontrollable.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot and flight instructor were conducting a local, instructional flight. The instructor reported that, as the student was transitioning the helicopter through effective translational lift about 40 knots airspeed, he raised the collective to increase the available power to the takeoff power setting. Shortly thereafter, he heard a loud "pop/bang sound," which was followed by an uncommanded right yaw and severe vibrations. Due to the low altitude and airspeed, the instructor immediately took the flight controls and initiated an autorotation. Upon touchdown, the helicopter tilted forward, and the instructor applied aft cyclic to correct; however, the main rotor blades contacted the tailboom, which resulted in the tailboom partially separating from the helicopter.

During postaccident examination of the helicopter, the clutch assembly lubricant was drained, and metallic debris was found in the strainer. Disassembly of the clutch assembly revealed galling of the sprags and the corresponding sprag contact surfaces on the clutch shaft and hub. It is likely that the excessive galling resulted in the sprag clutch slipping, which produced the uncommanded right yaw and led to the student's and instructor's inability to maintain helicopter control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA065 for the full record.