Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE DUAL STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DURING THE PRACTICE HOVER AUTOROTATION TO LANDING, AND THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE DUAL STUDENT DURING THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS AN UNFAVORABLE WIND.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On March 12, 1995, about 0945 Pacific standard time, N721HH, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, operated by Hillsboro Helicopters, Inc., Hillsboro, Oregon, impacted terrain and rolled over while landing in Hillsboro. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
According to the CFI, the purpose of the flight was to practice hover autorotations. Immediately prior to the accident, both the CFI and pre-solo student pilot were at the controls. The helicopter was "... into the wind [approximately] 18 - 24 inches above grass on level ground." The CFI further stated:
Closed throttle to perform hover auto. Aircraft began to settle and drift left. Full right cyclic was applied as aircraft contacted ground hard with left skid. Collective was lowered and aircraft's momentum seemed to stop. [The helicopter] paused for a second and then continued over on left side.
According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the helicopter rolled over onto its left side, causing substantial damage. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported.
The wind conditions at the airport about five minutes after the accident were reported to be from 180 degrees at 15 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA95LA065