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NTSB Report
May 31, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N7102Z
Pontiac, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pontiac, MI
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 (2013)
Tail Number
N7102Z
Operator
Michigan Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA219
A flight instructor and a private pilot receiving instruction were performing a hovering maneuver as part of a flight lesson. During an exchange of the flight controls, a gust of wind moved the helicopter backward. The flight instructor reassumed control of the helicopter, but the tail rotor assembly struck the ground and separated from the helicopter. He then performed a hovering autorotation, the helicopter landed upright on its skids and the occupants egressed the helicopter without injury. The ground strike resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom assembly. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The flight crew’s inadequate compensation for gusting wind, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in impact with the ground.
Full Narrative
A flight instructor and a private pilot receiving instruction were performing a hovering maneuver as part of a flight lesson. During an exchange of the flight controls, a gust of wind moved the helicopter backward. The flight instructor reassumed control of the helicopter, but the tail rotor assembly struck the ground and separated from the helicopter. He then performed a hovering autorotation, the helicopter landed upright on its skids and the occupants egressed the helicopter without injury. The ground strike resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom assembly. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportOakland County Intl (1nm SE)
Runway9R/2
Runway Length6521 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN7102Z
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichigan Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 44 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 6 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourcePILO