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NTSB Report

September 23, 2000 · Robinson R-22B · N7183X

Tomball, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Tomball, TX
Aircraft
Robinson R-22B
Tail Number
N7183X
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW00LA269

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the helicopter was in a 3-foot hover with the student pilot on the controls, when the aircraft began to drift 'slightly' to the right. As the CFI started to correct by applying left cyclic, the student 'abruptly' lowered the collective. Subsequently, the right skid contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled over to the right. A ground impression, corresponding to the right skid was found after the accident. The helicopter's tail boom and main rotor drive system were destroyed and cabin was substantially damaged. The student pilot had received about 4 hours of helicopter instruction at the time of the accident. He held a commercial airman's certificate with single and multi-engine airplane ratings, and was a certified flight instructor for single and multi-engine airplanes.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's abrupt lowering of the collective. Factors were the student pilot's lack of experience in helicopters and the CFI's delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

On September 23, 2000, at 1515 central daylight time, a Robinson R-22B helicopter, N7183X, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground while hovering over a grassy practice area on the David Wayne Hooks Airport, Tomball, Texas. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Helicopter Services Inc., of Spring, Texas. The certified flight instructor (CFI) received minor injuries, and the student pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight originated at 1440 from David Wayne Hooks Airport. The CFI reported that the helicopter was in a 3-foot hover with the student pilot on the controls, when the aircraft began to drift "slightly" to the right. As the CFI started to correct by applying left cyclic, the student "abruptly" lowered the collective. Subsequently, the right skid contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled over to the right. Visual inspection of the accident site by an FAA inspector revealed a ground impression corresponding to the right skid. The helicopter's tail boom and main rotor drive system was destroyed. The cabin was substantially damaged. The student pilot had received about 4 hours of helicopter instruction at the time of the accident. He held a commercial airman's certificate with single and multi-engine airplane ratings, and was a certified flight instructor for single and multi-engine airplanes.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 CDT
Nearest AirportDavid Wayne Hooks (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22B
Tail NumberN7183X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data