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NTSB Report
September 30, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N74706
Phoenix, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 30, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2006)
Tail Number
N74706
Operator
Universal Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA359
The solo student pilot reported that, while making a clearing turn, the wind caught the tail and abruptly spun the helicopter. He applied corrective pedal inputs then raised the collective to avoid the ground and the helicopter began to rotate clockwise about the vertical axis and could not be corrected by application of left pedal. About 50 to 60 ft above the ground, he entered an autorotation where the helicopter landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot 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 failure to maintain helicopter control while making a clearing turn which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, while making a clearing turn, the wind caught the tail and abruptly spun the helicopter. He applied corrective pedal inputs then raised the collective to avoid the ground and the helicopter began to rotate clockwise about the vertical axis and could not be corrected by application of left pedal. About 50 to 60 ft above the ground, he entered an autorotation where the helicopter landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN74706
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUniversal Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC