Robinson R44
Lantana, FL — July 27, 2018
Event Information
| Date | July 27, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA450 |
| Event ID | 20180729X63909 |
| Location | Lantana, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 26.59278, -80.08528 |
| Airport | PALM BEACH COUNTY PARK |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Full Narrative
The helicopter instructor reported that, during the approach to land, about 5 feet above the ground, the student pilot overcorrected and moved the cyclic "back hard and slightly right". The right rear skid contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled to the right. The main rotor blades struck the ground and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
The student pilot reported that he believed the skid strike and unusual attitude were caused by his inexperience.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, the fuselage and the tail boom.
The flight instructor 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.