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NTSB Report

December 20, 2020 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N3264U

Morris, IL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 20, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Morris, IL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 (2007)
Tail Number
N3264U
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA095

The pilot stated that he had initially completed pickups and set downs on four different headings, then departed the area for a local flight. When he returned to the airport, he again practiced pickups and set downs in the same spot on the ramp, and the wind was from the west as he completed these maneuvers. During the final maneuver, the wind shifted, and he lost control of the helicopter. There were three weather observations recorded from around the accident time and the wind was from 240° to 250° at 6 to 7 knots, with no reported gusts. An airport surveillance video showed that during accident sequence, the helicopter was facing east when it briefly touched down and wobbled, then lifted up as the tail boom swung around in a clockwise direction. The tail rotor impacted the ramp then climbed and continued to rotate. The helicopter completed about 1.5 rotations as it descended and impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side. The helicopter manufacturer had previously issued a safety notice for unanticipated yaw, which stated in part, “A pilot's failure to apply proper pedal inputs in response to strong or gusty winds during hover or low-speed flight may result in an unanticipated yaw…To avoid unanticipated yaw, pilots should be aware of conditions (a left crosswind, for example) that may require large or rapid pedal inputs.” The accident is consistent with the inadequate pedal application during the liftoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a subsequent impact with terrain. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate pedal application during liftoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he had initially completed pickups and set downs on four different headings, then departed the area for a local flight. When he returned to the airport, he again practiced pickups and set downs in the same spot on the ramp, and the wind was from the west as he completed these maneuvers. During the final maneuver, the wind shifted, and he lost control of the helicopter. There were three weather observations recorded from around the accident time and the wind was from 240° to 250° at 6 to 7 knots, with no reported gusts. An airport surveillance video showed that during accident sequence, the helicopter was facing east when it briefly touched down and wobbled, then lifted up as the tail boom swung around in a clockwise direction. The tail rotor impacted the ramp then climbed and continued to rotate. The helicopter completed about 1.5 rotations as it descended and impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side. The helicopter manufacturer had previously issued a safety notice for unanticipated yaw, which stated in part, “A pilot's failure to apply proper pedal inputs in response to strong or gusty winds during hover or low-speed flight may result in an unanticipated yaw…To avoid unanticipated yaw, pilots should be aware of conditions (a left crosswind, for example) that may require large or rapid pedal inputs.” The accident is consistent with the inadequate pedal application during the liftoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a subsequent impact with terrain. 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 Time16:45 CST
Nearest AirportMorris Muni - James R Washburn (0nm NNW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN3264U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 F / 32 F
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time16:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data