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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 21, 2020 · Guimbal Cabri G2 · N715RK

Independence, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Independence, IA
Aircraft
Guimbal Cabri G2 (2019)
Tail Number
N715RK
Operator
University of Dubuque
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA064

The solo student pilot reported that he "lost control" of the helicopter as he maneuvered over the ramp for a landing toward the south into wind. The student was unable to regain control of the helicopter, and it subsequently impacted an unoccupied airplane and a hangar. Airport security video footage showed the helicopter approaching the ramp in a hover-taxi heading east before it entered an increasingly rapid left spin as it drifted north toward the airplane and hangar. A review of the video of the accident did not reveal any evidence of a bird strike or visible hydraulic systems failure. The helicopter cabin and tailboom sustained substantial damage. The student reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The student stated that the wind direction might have changed during the landing; however, a postaccident review of available weather data revealed that the wind was likely from the south about 12 to 13 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering to land, which resulted in impact with an airplane and a hangar.

Full Narrative

The student pilot, who was flying solo, reported that he "lost control" of the helicopter as he maneuvered over the ramp for a landing toward south and into the wind. The pilot was unable to regain directional control before the helicopter impacted an unoccupied airplane and a hangar. Airport security video footage showed the helicopter had approached the ramp in a hover-taxi heading east before it entered an increasingly rapid left spin as it drifted north toward a parked airplane and a hangar. The helicopter cabin and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter. The pilot stated that the wind direction might have changed during the landing; however, a postaccident review of available weather data confirmed that the wind was likely from the south at 12-13 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CST
Nearest AirportIndependence Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGuimbal Cabri G2
Tail NumberN715RK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUniversity of Dubuque
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.34 inHg
Observation Time22:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data