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February 1, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N2620C

Lexington, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lexington, KY
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N2620C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA156

The pilot of the Robinson R-22 stated that he was preparing for takeoff in the center of a non-movement area. Upon advancing the throttle to 100%, the helicopter began to spin rapidly to the left while still on the ground. The pilot attempted to completely lower the collective lever while reducing throttle to stop the rotation, but felt no noticeable effect. He then pulled the mixture control knob to stop the engine, coming to rest at the edge of a non-movement area. As the helicopter spun, it drifted until the tailboom contacted a snow bank incurring substantial damage. The pilot stated that he was wearing a heavy coat and boots at the time of the accident, which may have interfered with his ability to operate the collective and anti-torque pedal controls.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff. Contributing to this accident was the interference of the flight controls by the heavy coat and boots the pilot was wearing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the Robinson R-22 stated that he was preparing for takeoff in the center of a non-movement area. Upon advancing the throttle to 100%, the helicopter began to spin rapidly to the left while still on the ground. The pilot attempted to completely lower the collective lever while reducing throttle to stop the rotation, but felt no noticeable effect. He then pulled the mixture control knob to stop the engine, coming to rest at the edge of a non-movement area. As the helicopter spun, it drifted until the tailboom contacted a snow bank incurring substantial damage. The pilot stated that he was wearing a heavy coat and boots at the time of the accident, which may have interfered with his ability to operate the collective and anti-torque pedal controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 EST
Nearest AirportBlue Grass Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN2620C
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind210° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 30 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data