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May 20, 2011 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N7197Z

Lansing, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lansing, IL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail Number
N7197Z
Operator
Sun Aero Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA351

The student pilot reported that it was his first solo helicopter flight. He performed two takeoffs and landings with his flight instructor on board, and then the instructor got out of the helicopter. The student pilot took off, flew a normal traffic pattern, and made a successful full-stop landing. He taxied off the runway and set the helicopter back down on the taxiway. He lifted off the ground again into a hover and started to taxi to the ramp where the instructor was located. The instructor observed the student pilot lose control of the helicopter as he was doing a pedal turn to the left. The helicopter did a “massive yaw, pitch, and roll.” It hit the ground on its aft skids, bending the aft skid tube. It bounced up, rolled left in a nose-high attitude, and the tail rotor struck the ground. The operator reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with or failure of the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported that it was his first solo helicopter flight. He performed two takeoffs and landings with his instructor on board, and then the instructor pilot got out of the helicopter. The student pilot took off, flew a normal traffic pattern, and made a successful full stop landing. He taxied off the runway and set the helicopter back down on the taxiway. He lifted off the ground again into a hover and started to taxi to the ramp where the instructor pilot was located. The instructor pilot reported that he observed the student pilot lose control of the helicopter as he was doing a pedal turn to the left. The helicopter did a “massive yaw, pitch, and roll.” It hit the ground on its aft skids, bending the aft skid tube. It bounced up, rolled left in a nose high attitude, and the tail rotor struck the ground. The operator reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:37 CDT
Nearest AirportLansing Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN7197Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSun Aero Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-I2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data