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October 4, 2002 · Robinson R-22 · N222MQ

Louisburg, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Louisburg, NC
Aircraft
Robinson R-22
Tail Number
N222MQ
Operator
Corporate Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA001

The pilot was on his second supervised solo flight. As he applied collective pitch, the front of the skids of the helicopter came off the ground and the rear of the skids remained on the ground. He continued to increase collective pitch; the helicopter became airborne, yawed to the left, and started drifting to the right. The right skid collided with the ground and the helicopter bounced back into the air. He over corrected with cyclic and the right skid collided with the ground again, and the helicopter rolled over on its right side. The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical problems with the helicopter. He was late with flight control inputs and the helicopter rolled over.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of flight controls (collective and cyclic) during an attempted takeoff to a hover, that resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain, and dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

On October 4, 2002, about 1130 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22, N222MQ, registered to M. Spitzer Helicopter Leasing, operated by Corporate Aviation Inc., as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, rolled over on its right side while taking off to a hover. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the airline transport rated pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was originating from Franklin County Airport, Louisburg, North Carolina, at 1130. The pilot stated he was on his second supervised solo flight and was taking off from the sod area located adjacent to runway 22. As he applied collective pitch the front skids of the helicopter came off the ground and the rear skids remained on the ground. He continued to increase collective pitch; the helicopter became airborne, yawed to the left, and started drifting to the right. The right skid collided with the ground and the helicopter bounced back into the air. The pilot stated he over corrected with cyclic and the right skid collided with the ground again. The helicopter encountered dynamic rollover and rolled over on its right side. Examination of the helicopter revealed the cabin bubble was broken, both main rotor blades sustained damage, and the airframe on the right side sustained structural damage. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter. Review of Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Notice SN-9 states, "A dynamic rollover can occur whenever the landing gear contacts a fixed object, forcing the aircraft to pivot about the object instead of about its own center of gravity. The fixed object can be any obstacle or surface which prevents the skid from moving sideways. Once started, dynamic rollover cannot be stopped by application of opposite cyclic alone.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportFranklin County (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-22
Tail NumberN222MQ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCorporate Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 7 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time14:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data