Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE HOVERING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDING WITH TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTING WIND CONDITIONS.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 23, 1995, at 1812 Pacific daylight time, N461H, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, operated by Hillsboro Helicopters, Inc., Hillsboro, Oregon, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain after the student pilot lost directional control while hovering at the Hillsboro Airport. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the student pilot was hovering the helicopter for proficiency. The student pilot stated that he was preparing to return to the operator's ramp because the wind was increasing, thus making it difficult for him to control the aircraft. During a left pedal turn, when the tail was pointed into the wind, he believed that a wind gust "... caught me off guard and swung the tail around quickly (weather vaning)..." The helicopter struck the ground on the left skid. The left skid collapsed and the tail rotor struck the ground. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA95LA105