Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN14CA017

Chicago, IL, USA

Aircraft #1

N554SA

ROBINSON R22 - BETA

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

The student pilot stated they had been practicing hovering for about 30 minutes, and were about two feet above the ground. He recalled that he was "controlling the cyclic and maybe the collective, but not the pedals." The flight instructor thought they were three to five feet above the ground. The helicopter experienced a pendular motion and began traveling backwards and to the right. The right skid made contact with the ground, which resulted in the tail impacting the ground and the helicopter rolling onto its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor.

Probable Cause and Findings

The flight instructor's failure to take remedial action in a timely manner.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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