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NTSB Report

October 2, 2019 · Robinson R44 · N4050X

Carlsbad, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 2, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Aircraft
Robinson R44 (2019)
Tail Number
N4050X
Operator
Civic Helicopter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA20CA002

The flight instructor reported that she provided takeoff and landing training from and to a helicopter landing platform. During landing, the student pilot had control of the collective and the antitorque pedals, and the instructor maintained control of the cyclic. The instructor added that, during landing on the platform, "the student lowered the collective suddenly, and also pulled back up (on the collective) suddenly." Additionally, the student grabbed the cyclic and pulled aft when he increased the collective. The helicopter bounced on the platform and tilted backward. The helicopter rolled onto its right side, the instructor closed the throttle, and the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main and tail rotor drive systems and the fuselage. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's incorrect collective and cyclic applications during landing and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a roll-over.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that, she provided takeoff and landing training from and to, a helicopter landing platform. During landing, the student pilot had control of the collective and the anti-torque pedals, and the flight instructor had maintained control of the cyclic. The flight instructor asserted that during landing to the platform, "the student lowered the collective suddenly, and also pulled back up (on the collective) suddenly as well." Additionally, the student grabbed the cyclic and pulled aft, when he increased the collective. The helicopter bounced on the platform and "tilted backwards." The helicopter started to roll to its right side, and the instructor closed the throttle. The helicopter rolled onto its right side and the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main and tail rotor drive systems and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 PDT
Nearest AirportMc Clellan-Palomar (0nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN4050X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCivic Helicopter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsO-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 25 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data