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NTSB Report

November 15, 1997 · Robinson R22 BETA · N26026

Lubbock, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lubbock, TX
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N26026
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA049

The student pilot reported that he had established an out-of-ground-effect hover at 200 feet AGL. He further reported that, the 'wind turned the ship to the right abruptly,' to a westerly heading. To correct, he applied left pedal, 'but not enough' and the helicopter began 'to lose altitude and control,' so he released pressure on the left pedal, thinking he had compensated incorrectly. As the helicopter continued turning to the right, he began to apply left pedal. As the helicopter kept turning to the right, the pilot applied full left pedal. The descent continued, and the helicopter completed another 360 degree turn and contacted a fence. The pilot estimated the winds were from 010 degrees at 8 knots. No control system anomaly was found. Performance charts indicated that the helicopter was within it's flight envelope during the hover.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the student pilot to maintain control of the helicopter during hover out-of-ground-effect. A related factor was: the student pilot's lack of experience in flying helicopters.

Full Narrative

On November 15, 1997, at 1100 central standard time, a Robinson R22-Beta helicopter, N26026, owned and operated by Caprock Helicopter Inc., of Lubbock, Texas, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Lubbock, Texas. The student pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Town and Country Airpark Airport, Lubbock, Texas, at 1000. The student pilot reported that he executed a normal take-off to the north, from a grassy area beside runway 35. He stated that his mother's house is located 1 1/4 miles west and 1/2 miles north of the Town and Country Airport. He planned his traffic pattern so the turn from cross-wind to downwind would occur over his mother's house. As he approached the left turn, from cross-wind to downwind, he decided to continue flying west over the house. He then flew past the house by 1/2 mile, turned 180 degrees, and flew east towards the house, reducing the helicopter's airspeed and altitude to accommodate an out-of-ground-effect hover at 200 feet AGL, just north of the house. The pilot further stated that, the "wind turned the ship to the right abruptly," to a westerly heading. To correct, he applied left pedal, "but not enough" and the helicopter began "to lose altitude and control," so he released pressure on the left pedal, thinking he had compensated incorrectly. The aircraft continued turning to the right and passing through a northerly heading he began to apply left pedal. As the helicopter kept turning to the right the pilot applied full left pedal. The descent continued and the helicopter completed another 360 degree turn and contacted a fence. The helicopter came to rest on it's right side. The pilot estimated the winds were from 010 degrees at 8 knots. Performance charts indicate that the helicopter was within it's flight envelope during the hover. Examination of the helicopter, performed by an FAA inspector, revealed damage to the main rotor and tail rotor systems and the tail boom was found separated from the aircraft No control system anomalies were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN26026
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data