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January 30, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R66 NO Series · N660TN

Knoxville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 30, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Knoxville, TN
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R66 NO Series (2014)
Tail Number
N660TN
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA121

The pilot performed a preflight inspection of the helicopter, which was positioned in the yard of a residence on a slight incline. After starting the engine, and completing the checklist, he lifted to a hover at 6 ft. The helicopter then began to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the helicopter’s nose pitched up. The rear portion of the right skid contacted the ground and the helicopter to rolled onto its right side. The helicopter’s main rotor, fuselage, and tailboom were substantially damaged. A posaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Given this information, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the helicopter while transitioning into the hover, and the helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover when the right rear skid contacted the sloped ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter, which resulted in rear portion of the right skid contacting the ground and a subsequent dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The pilot performed a preflight inspection of the helicopter, which was positioned in the yard of a residence on a slight incline. After starting the engine, and completing the checklist, he lifted to a hover at 6 ft. The helicopter then began to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the helicopter’s nose pitched up. The rear portion of the right skid contacted the ground and the helicopter to rolled onto its right side. The helicopter’s main rotor, fuselage, and tailboom were substantially damaged. A posaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Given this information, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the helicopter while transitioning into the hover, and the helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover when the right rear skid contacted the sloped ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 EST
Nearest AirportYARD (0nm)
RunwayNONE
Runway Length20 ft
Runway Width20 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R66 NO Series
Tail NumberN660TN
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royc · 250-C300/A1 · Turboshaft · 300
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 F / 21 F
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Observation Time09:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data