Runaway Clutch
Runaway Clutch
This failure is unique to the Robinson helicopter design. The Robinson has a system which
automatically maintains the correct tension on the engine drive belts. It does this by
having sensors which detect the tension in the belts, and an electric motor coupled to a
jack screw which elevates the upper sheave (pully) to increase tension on the belt.
The direction that the motor runs is controlled by the cockpit clutch switch. In the
engaged (flight) position, the motor will only run forward, increasing the tension on
the belts. Thus it will never decrease tension on the belts in flight.
If the belt tension sensor fails, the clutch system may run the motor in an attempt to
increase what it believes is a low belt tension condition. In this case, there is a real
danger that the belts will be tightened so much that they will break.
The POH calls for the pilot to monitor the automatic clutch system while in flight, and
if he sees the motor run for more than 7 or 8 seconds, to pull the clutch system circuit
breaker. This will cause the motor to stop running, and the upper sheave will stop in
its current position.