Probable cause
The private pilot's incorrect manipulation of the engine mixture control which resulted in an inadvertent engine shutdown.
NTSB analysis
The two certificated rotorcraft pilots were conducting a ferry flight. According to both pilots, the helicopter was on approach to land for a refueling stop when the airline transport pilot flying asked the private pilot to apply carburetor heat. The private pilot inadvertently pulled-out the engine mixture control with the mixture control guard, which resulted in an immediate total loss of engine power. The helicopter was at an altitude between 300 to 400 feet, when the airline transport pilot entered an autorotation, while the private pilot attempted to restart the engine. The engine did not restart before the helicopter struck trees, a fence, and then nosed over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the airframe and both the main and tail rotor drive systems. Both pilots reported there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA448 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 11, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Titusville, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Arthur Dunn Air Park (X21)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R22
- N-number
- N62JF
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.