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February 3, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N7687H

Sevierville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 3, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sevierville, TN
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N7687H
Operator
Scenic Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA155

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was hover taxiing the helicopter along a taxiway that paralleled Runway 10 when she asked him to stop and make a left, 90-degree pedal turn. At the time, winds were from 230 degrees at 8 knots. The student pilot initiated the pedal turn and, as the helicopter reached the 90-degree position, it began a spin to the left, which increased in velocity. The flight instructor then advised the student pilot that she had the controls; however, the spin would not stop. It became "very fast and I wasn't sure which way we were spinning." The flight instructor then reduced the throttle, but the spin "got faster," so she quickly lowered the collective "to get the helicopter on the ground." The helicopter then landed hard, the left landing gear impacted the engine exhaust, the tail rotor blades hit the ground and were sheared off, and the tail boom was separated near the transmission. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's improper remedial action following the student pilot's loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's loss of control.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was hover taxiing the helicopter along a taxiway that paralleled runway 10, when she asked him to stop, and make a left, 90-degree pedal turn. At the time, winds were from 230 degrees, at 8 knots. The student pilot initiated the pedal turn, and as the helicopter reached the 90-degree position, it began a spin to the left, which increased in velocity. The flight instructor then advised the student pilot that she had the controls; however, the spin would not stop. It became "very fast and I wasn't sure which way we were spinning." The flight instructor then reduced the throttle, but the spin "got faster," so she quickly lowered the collective "to get the helicopter on the ground." The helicopter then landed "hard," the left landing gear impacted the engine exhaust, the tail rotor blades hit the ground and were sheared off, and the tail boom was separated near the transmission. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EST
Nearest AirportGatlinburg - Pigeon Forge (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN7687H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScenic Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 32 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data