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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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NTSB Report

August 13, 2005 · Robinson R44 · N534SE

Greenwood, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2005
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Greenwood, IN
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Tail Number
N534SE
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05LA235

A helicopter used for sightseeing contacted the ground with the forward tips of the skids while in forward motion. The pilot stated that he reduced collective, a pitch oscillation ensued, and the helicopter rolled over onto its side. Inspection of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadequate remedial action during landing by the pilot.

Full Narrative

On August 13, 2005, at 1115 eastern standard time, a Robinson R44, N534SE, piloted by a commercial pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain during landing at Greenwood Municipal Airport (HFY), Greenwood, Indiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 revenue sightseeing flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. The local flight originated from HFY at 1110. The pilot was providing helicopter rides at the "HFY Open House," and the accident flight was about the pilot's 10th flight of the day. The pilot stated that when the helicopter was over the landing area, the forward ends of the skids contacted the ground with a "very small amount of forward motion." He stated that when the forward motion stopped, a reduction in collective was started and then an abrupt pitch oscillation began. The pitch oscillation increased and he tried to increase collective to lift the skids off the ground. The nose pitched down "violently" and the main rotor blades contacted the ground in front of the helicopter. The helicopter rolled onto its right side as the nose yawed left 90 degrees. Inspection of the helicopter by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 EDT
Nearest AirportGreenwood Municipal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN534SE
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data