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NTSB Report

August 26, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R44 NO Series · N4147Q

Immokalee, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 2023
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Immokalee, FL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 NO Series (2008)
Tail Number
N4147Q
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA23LA350

The flight instructor stated that the accident flight was an introductory flight for a new student pilot. He stated that during an introductory flight, it was normal for a student pilot to take the cyclic control and get familiar with the “feel” of the helicopter. During the accident pilot, the student pilot hovered the helicopter at 10 ft above ground level for about 10 minutes with no anomalies, then suddenly, the student pilot pushed the cyclic forward and to the right “very fast.” The flight instructor could not regain control before the main rotor contacted the ground. The helicopter rolled to the right and came to rest on tits right side, sustaining substantial damage to the main rotor mast, tail rotor, and fuselage. The flight instructor stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot during hover flight, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the ground after the student pilot applied a sudden control input.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor stated that the accident flight was an introductory flight for a new student pilot. He stated that during an introductory flight, it was normal for a student pilot to take the cyclic control and get familiar with the “feel” of the helicopter. During the accident pilot, the student pilot hovered the helicopter at 10 ft above ground level for about 10 minutes with no anomalies, then suddenly, the student pilot pushed the cyclic forward and to the right “very fast.” The flight instructor could not regain control before the main rotor contacted the ground. The helicopter rolled to the right and came to rest on tits right side, sustaining substantial damage to the main rotor mast, tail rotor, and fuselage. The flight instructor stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 EDT
Nearest AirportImmokalee Rgnl (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length4550 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 NO Series
Tail NumberN4147Q
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (1 serious injury, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1None · Minor
Crew 2Age 47 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data