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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 4, 2019 · Robinson R22 Alpha · N8560A

Smoketown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Smoketown, PA
Aircraft
Robinson R22 Alpha (1985)
Tail Number
N8560A
Operator
Smoketown Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA20CA060

The flight instructor reported that he lifted off in the helicopter and ascended to between about 3 and 4 ft above the grassy field north of the runway to show the student pilot how to hover, and while having positive control of the collective and antitorque pedal, he gave the cyclic control to the student. While the instructor was "guarding" the cyclic, the student applied right cyclic. Subsequently, the helicopter descended, and the right skid contacted the ground. The instructor applied left cyclic, but the helicopter dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system and horizontal stabilizer. 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 improper cyclic input while hovering and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that he was providing a discovery flight to a potential student. He completed a cruise flight and landed the helicopter to show the student how to hover. He lifted the helicopter to 3 to 4 ft above the grassy field north of the runway, and while having positive controls of the collective and anti-torque pedal, he gave the cyclic control to the student. While the instructor was "guarding" the cyclic, the student applied right cyclic and the helicopter descended, and the right skid contacted the ground. The instructor applied left cyclic, but the helicopter dynamically rolled over and impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system and horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:19 EST
Nearest AirportSmoketown (0nm NNW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 Alpha
Tail NumberN8560A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmoketown Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-B2A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 44 · Unknown · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind160° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 30 C
Altimeter30.32 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data