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NTSB Report

May 20, 2017 · Robinson R22 BETA · N2322Z

Linden, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Linden, NJ
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA (1992)
Tail Number
N2322Z
Operator
Heliflights
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA17CA187

The helicopter flight instructor stated that he was providing the student pilot with his first introductory flight in a helicopter. The flight instructor was holding the dual controls lightly while the student pilot practiced hovering. The helicopter was hovering over a concrete area on the airport and had drifted over grass. The flight instructor then told the student pilot to hover back over the concrete. As the helicopter was proceeding back to the concrete, the student pilot made an abrupt movement on the cyclic to the right, and the right skid contacted an unknown object, which caused a dynamic roll-over. The student pilot's written account was similar, except he stated that the flight instructor had taken control of the helicopter and was hovering toward the concrete when a sudden downward push of wind caused a forceful movement to the right. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right skid had contacted the ground, which resulted in a dynamic rollover and substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were noted nor did the pilots report any. The wind at the airport was recorded as calm about the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering, which resulted in skid contact with the ground and a dynamic roll-over.

Full Narrative

The helicopter flight instructor stated that he was providing the student pilot with his first introductory flight in a helicopter. The flight instructor was holding the dual controls lightly while the student pilot practiced hovering. The helicopter was hovering over a concrete area on the airport and had drifted over grass. The flight instructor then told the student pilot to hover back over the concrete. As the helicopter was proceeding back to the concrete, the student pilot made an abrupt movement on the cyclic to the right and the right skid contacted an unknown object, causing a dynamic rollover. The student pilot's written account was similar, except he stated that the flight instructor had taken control of the helicopter and was hovering toward the concrete when a sudden downward push of wind caused a forceful movement to the right. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right skid had contacted the ground, resulting in a dynamic rollover and substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilots report any. The wind at the airport was recorded as calm about the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 EDT
Nearest AirportLinden Airport (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN2322Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHeliflights
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 28 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data