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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 24, 1996 · Robinson R22B · N8141L

Garland, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Garland, TX
Aircraft
Robinson R22B
Tail Number
N8141L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA131

While hovering, the pilot decided to demonstrate rearward hover to his passenger. The helicopter was less than five feet above ground level when the tail rotor contacted the ground. When the tail rotor struck the ground, directional control was lost, and the aircraft began to rotate to the right and roll left. The left skid contacted the ground causing the helicopter to roll to an inverted position. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude and tail rotor clearance from the terrain, while demonstrating rearward movement in a hover.

Full Narrative

On February 24, 1996, 1315 central standard time, a Robinson Helicopter, R22B, N8141L, was substantially damaged while hovering at the Garland/Dallas Fort Worth Heliplex, Garland, Texas. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. Sky Helicopters of Garland, Texas was the operator of the helicopter. The helicopter had been hovering 10 minutes prior to the accident. During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, and in a written statement, the pilot reported that he was demonstrating a reverse hover at the time of the accident. He stated that he was hovering to the rear with a tail low attitude when the tail rotor contacted the ground. Following the ground contact the pilot lost directional control due to the loss of anti-torque. The aircraft began to spin to the right and roll left until the left skid struck the ground. When the skid struck the ground the helicopter rolled on it's left side. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical problems prior to the accident and that he was lower than five feet when hovering.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 CST
Nearest AirportGarland/Dfw Heliplex (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22B
Tail NumberN8141L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data