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August 9, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N798MG

Sevierville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sevierville, TN
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (1997)
Tail Number
N798MG
Operator
Sevier County Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA358

The flight instructor and his student were practicing hovering autorotations over an asphalt taxiway. The flight instructor reported that during the third autorotation, he either did not completely roll the throttle into the spring-loaded override, or he inadvertently allowed the throttle to open while arresting the descent. The helicopter climbed to about 25 ft above ground level and then it entered an uncontrolled right spin. The flight instructor immediately communicated to the student pilot that he had taken over the flight controls but was unsure if the student pilot had fully relinquished the flight controls. The flight instructor maneuvered the helicopter over a grass field and initiated a hovering autorotation. The helicopter landed hard and spread the skids, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor shutdown the helicopter and he and his student were able to egress without further incident. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s improper flight control inputs during the practice hovering autorotation that resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor and his student were practicing hovering autorotations over an asphalt taxiway. The flight instructor reported that during the third autorotation, he either did not completely roll the throttle into the spring-loaded override, or he inadvertently allowed the throttle to open while arresting the descent. The helicopter climbed to about 25 ft above ground level and then it entered an uncontrolled right spin. The flight instructor immediately communicated to the student pilot that he had taken over the flight controls but was unsure if the student pilot had fully relinquished the flight controls. The flight instructor maneuvered the helicopter over a grass field and initiated a hovering autorotation. The helicopter landed hard and spread the skids, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor shutdown the helicopter and he and his student were able to egress without further incident. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EDT
Nearest AirportGatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airpor (0.5nm E)
Runway10/2
Runway Length5506 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN798MG
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSevier County Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time10:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data