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September 24, 2017 · Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · N177SR

Santa Barbara, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta (2001)
Tail Number
N177SR
Operator
Tumbleweed Leasing
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA551

According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was providing hover instruction to his airplane-rated student about 3 ft above the ground. The instructor reported that he allowed the student to make the necessary flight control inputs as he guarded the controls. The area was level with 1-ft-tall weeds. The helicopter began to drift laterally and descend. The right skid contacted the weeds, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The instructor reported that "I was not quick enough in lowering the collective to prevent full rollover." The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and engine mounts. Per the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented by instructing hover practice at a "higher altitude and away from obstacles that may serve as a pivot point leading to dynamic rollover." The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s unstabilized hover, which resulted in ground contact and a dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was providing hover instruction to his airplane rated student, about three feet above the ground. The instructor reported that he allowed the student to make the necessary flight control inputs, as he guarded the controls. The area was level, with 1ft tall weeds. The helicopter began to drift laterally and descend. The right skid contacted the weeds and the helicopter rolled onto its right-side. The instructor reported that, "I was not quick enough in lowering the collective to prevent full rollover." The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and engine mounts. Per the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented by instructing hover practice at a, "higher altitude and away from obstacles that may serve as a pivot point leading to dynamic rollover." The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:25 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Barbara Muni (0nm SE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta
Tail NumberN177SR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTumbleweed Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SERIES · Reciprocating · 124
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 78 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 46
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data