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NTSB Report

July 13, 2009 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N211SH

Bedford, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Bedford, MA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N211SH
Operator
East Coast Aero Club
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA401

According to the certificated flight instructor, he was performing hover practice with the student pilot in a grassy area beside a taxiway. During the practice, the helicopter climbed to approximately 20 feet above ground level, and then the instructor advised the student to position the helicopter at a lower altitude. The instructor stated that the helicopter began “a high rate of descent which [he] was unable to arrest prior to ground contact.” He also said that the helicopter developed a “dynamic rolling moment that full down collective was unable to stop.” The helicopter rolled and came to rest on its left side, substantially damaging the tail boom, skids, and main rotor. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 250 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 17 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action while conducting hover practice with a student pilot, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over when it contacted the ground.

Full Narrative

According to the certificated flight instructor, he was performing hover practice with the student pilot in a grassy area beside a taxiway. During the practice, the helicopter climbed to approximately 20 feet above ground level, and then the instructor advised the student to position the helicopter at a lower altitude. The instructor stated that the helicopter began “a high rate of descent which [he] was unable to arrest prior to ground contact.” He also said that the helicopter developed a “dynamic rolling moment that full down collective was unable to stop.” The helicopter rolled and came to rest on its left side, substantially damaging the tail boom, skids, and main rotor. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 250 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 17 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:53 EDT
Nearest AirportLaurence G. Hanscom Field Airp (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN211SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEast Coast Aero Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 31 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 13 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data