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NTSB Report

June 9, 2003 · Robinson R22 BETA II · N727DD

Phoenix, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 9, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA II
Tail Number
N727DD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA189

The helicopter rolled over during a low altitude hover. This was the second instructional flight for the student. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student were both on the controls, hovering approximately 5 feet above ground level (agl). The CFI was in control of the cyclic and the student was in control of the antitorque pedals and the collective. During the hover, the helicopter rolled to the right and collided with the ground, coming to rest on its side. No preimpact control anomalies with the helicopter were discovered. Winds were reported from 170 at 9 knots, gusting to 17 knots, just prior to the accident. A 3-foot-long drag mark in the dirt was noted, which led directly to the helicopter's right skid.

NTSB Probable Cause

The instructor's inadequate supervision and his failure to maintain aircraft control. The wind gusts were a factor.

Full Narrative

On June 9, 2003, about 1630 mountain standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta II, N727DD, rolled over during a low altitude hover near Deer Valley Airport (DVT), Phoenix, Arizona. Universal Helicopters, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed Scottsdale Airport (SDL), Scottsdale, Arizona, about 1600. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a written statement, the CFI stated that this was the second instructional flight for the student. The CFI and student were hovering approximately 7 feet above ground level (agl). The CFI was in control of the cyclic and the student was in control of the antitorque pedals and the collective. During the hover, the helicopter rolled to the right and collided with the ground, coming to rest on its side. During wreckage recovery operations, the principal of Universal Helicopters observed a 3-foot-long drag mark in the dirt leading up to the helicopter's right skid. The helicopter was examined at Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) in Torrance, California, by the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) and a technical investigator from RHC. Control continuity was established with the cyclic, collective, and antitorque pedals and no preimpact control anomalies were noted. An aviation routine weather observation (METAR) was issued at 1622 for an airport about 6 miles away. Winds were reported from 170 at 9 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA II
Tail NumberN727DD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 9 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data