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NTSB Report

July 3, 2007 · Robinson R 22 BETA · N457SH

Long Beach, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Long Beach, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R 22 BETA
Tail Number
N457SH
Operator
Silver State Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA07CA193

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were practicing hover autorotations. The CFI noted that the student had expressed difficulty with sufficient pedal inputs in the past, and the helicopter would yaw excessively to the left. The CFI demonstrated the maneuver to the student, showing him to establish the helicopter in a 2-foot hover, look outside and pick a reference point to maintain heading, position his hand on the throttle to roll it off, and as throttle is rolled off, prepare to apply right pedal to counteract the left yaw. The student pilot then assumed the controls and configured the helicopter for the hovering autorotation. The CFI had his left hand on the collective, his right hand on the cyclic, and his feet were guarding the pedals. The student counted down, "three, two, one…" and rolled the throttle on while adding right pedal. The helicopter yawed hard and fast to the right and the student pulled aft cyclic. The CFI attempted to regain control of the helicopter; however, the tail cone contacted the ground and the helicopter came to rest on its left side. The CFI stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter, prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper use of the throttle and cyclic, and the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision, which resulted in the collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were practicing hover autorotations. The CFI noted that the student had expressed difficulty with sufficient pedal inputs in the past, and the helicopter would yaw excessively to the left. The CFI demonstrated the maneuver to the student, showing him to establish the helicopter in a 2-foot hover, look outside and pick a reference point to maintain heading, position his hand on the throttle to roll it off, and as throttle is rolled off, prepare to apply right pedal to counteract the left yaw. The student pilot then assumed the controls and configured the helicopter for the hovering autorotation. The CFI had his left hand on the collective, his right hand on the cyclic, and his feet were guarding the pedals. The student counted down, "three, two, one…" and rolled the throttle on while adding right pedal. The helicopter yawed hard and fast to the right and the student pulled aft cyclic. The CFI attempted to regain control of the helicopter; however, the tail cone contacted the ground and the helicopter came to rest on its left side. The CFI stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter, prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:33 PDT
Nearest AirportLong Beach Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R 22 BETA
Tail NumberN457SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSilver State Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTextron Lycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class
Crew 2Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time14:39

Appendix: Source Data