Robinson R22
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 99; Flight Crew Total 1042; Flight Crew Type 621
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Procedure
[In] cruise flight [I] heard loud metal against metal noise. Felt some vibrations in the ship and a yaw/roll to the right. Lowered collective; rolled off throttle; followed through with yaw to the right to clear a ridge. Contacted Tower stating I might have an emergency. Performed an auto[rotation] with power recovery in the desert area nowhere near roads; houses; or persons. Contacted Tower and advised we were on the ground. Helicopter was OK and both occupants alright. Tower asked if medical support was needed and I advised everyone was fine. Shut down; exited and started a walk-around. Noticed cowl door [on the] right side open. Performed preflight and flew back to the airport.
R22 pilot completed a successful autorotation after hearing a loud noise in-flight accompanied by right yaw. Right cowl door found open.