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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 17, 2008 · Robinson R44 · N3027Y

Montgomery, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Montgomery, NY
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Tail Number
N3027Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08CA140

According to the student pilot, he conducted a training flight with a flight instructor, in the R44 helicopter, and then prepared for a solo flight in anticipation of his upcoming private pilot check ride. During liftoff, he began to correct for an anticipated "tail low" condition due to full fuel and only one person on board, by using "light" forward cyclic. The helicopter drifted forward toward fuel pumps and a light post, and the pilot "over controlled" the helicopter by moving the cyclic aft. The pilot stated that he reacted "a little late," and drifted too close to the post. The main rotor struck the post, the fuselage spun, and the tail of the helicopter impacted the ground, before the helicopter came to rest on its skids.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Pole-Not specified

Full Narrative

According to the student pilot, he conducted a training flight with a flight instructor, in the R44 helicopter, and then prepared for a solo flight in anticipation of his upcoming private pilot check ride. During liftoff, he began to correct for an anticipated "tail low" condition due to full fuel and only one person on board, by using "light" forward cyclic. The helicopter drifted forward toward fuel pumps and a light post, and the pilot "over controlled" the helicopter by moving the cyclic aft. The pilot stated he reacted "a little late," and drifted too close to the post. The main rotor struck the post, the fuselage spun, and the tail of the helicopter impacted the ground, before the helicopter came to rest on its skids.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest AirportOrange County Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN3027Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 11 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.44 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data