Robinson R44
Montgomery, NY — March 17, 2008
Event Information
| Date | March 17, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | NYC08CA140 |
| Event ID | 20080414X00475 |
| Location | Montgomery, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.50972, -74.26444 |
| Airport | Orange County Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
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 | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of control during takeoff.
Full Narrative
According to the student pilot, he conducted a training flight with a flight instructor, in the R44 helicopter, and then prepared for a solo flight in anticipation of his upcoming private pilot check ride. During liftoff, he began to correct for an anticipated "tail low" condition due to full fuel and only one person on board, by using "light" forward cyclic. The helicopter drifted forward toward fuel pumps and a light post, and the pilot "over controlled" the helicopter by moving the cyclic aft. The pilot stated he reacted "a little late," and drifted too close to the post. The main rotor struck the post, the fuselage spun, and the tail of the helicopter impacted the ground, before the helicopter came to rest on its skids.
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.