GEORGE W. FELIX MOSQUITO
Kershaw, SC — September 23, 2019
Event Information
| Date | September 23, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA567 |
| Event ID | 20190925X82721 |
| Location | Kershaw, SC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.49611, -80.53194 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GEORGE W. FELIX |
| Model | MOSQUITO |
| 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 improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control, the skid impacting the ground, and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
Full Narrative
The student pilot of a single seat helicopter reported that, shortly after takeoff from his private cement pad, and about 2 ft above the ground, the helicopter "darted forward and left." He attempted to correct the drift, but the helicopter began "swinging back and forth", the left skid impacted the ground, the helicopter dynamically rolled over, and impacted the terrain.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tailboom.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The student pilot added that the he "did not have the cyclic in a neutral position when he lifted off." The student pilot further reported that the accident flight was his first flight in the helicopter.
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.