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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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May 8, 1990 · Robinson R22 · N9071Z

Millville, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 8, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Millville, NJ
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Tail Number
N9071Z
Operator
Total Helicopter Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA103

DURING A PRACTICE HOVER WITH THE STUDENT AT THE CONTROLS,THE STUDENT STARTED A RAPID AFT CYCLIC MOVEMENT, CAUSING THE TAIL ROTOR TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND SEPARATE. THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI) TOOK CONTROL AND INITIATED A HOVER AUTOROTATION AND THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED ABOUT 10 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER THEN STRUCK THE GROUND RIGHT SKID LOW AND CAME TO REST IN A RELATIVE LEVEL ATTITUDE WITH THE RIGHT SKID COLLAPSING AND THE CRAFT ROLLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CFI WAS ISSUED HIS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE STUDENT HAD ONLY 4.8 HOURS OF EXPERIENCE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI). CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL TIME AND EXPERIENCE OF BOTH THE STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR.

Full Narrative

DURING A PRACTICE HOVER WITH THE STUDENT AT THE CONTROLS,THE STUDENT STARTED A RAPID AFT CYCLIC MOVEMENT, CAUSING THE TAIL ROTOR TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND SEPARATE. THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI) TOOK CONTROL AND INITIATED A HOVER AUTOROTATION AND THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED ABOUT 10 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER THEN STRUCK THE GROUND RIGHT SKID LOW AND CAME TO REST IN A RELATIVE LEVEL ATTITUDE WITH THE RIGHT SKID COLLAPSING AND THE CRAFT ROLLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. THE CFI WAS ISSUED HIS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE STUDENT HAD ONLY 4.8 HOURS OF EXPERIENCE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 EDT
Nearest AirportMillville Muni (0nm N)
Runway26
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22
Tail NumberN9071Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTotal Helicopter Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 11 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data