ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22
Homstead, FL — January 28, 2018
Event Information
| Date | January 28, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA113 |
| Event ID | 20180128X60946 |
| Location | Homstead, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 25.47611, -80.37389 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER |
| Model | R22 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s diverted attention to his phone while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude over a field, he looked down at his phone in the cockpit, and by the time he looked back outside, the left skid of the helicopter had struck the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled onto its left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and rotor systems.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.