N8373J

On August 29, 1995, at 1000 hours Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R-22 helicopter, N8373J, rolled over during takeoff from a field near El Monte, California. The helicopter was operated by California Helitec of La Verne, California, and was engaged in a dual instructional flight at the time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and included calm winds. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. Neither the certificated commercial pilot/flight instructor nor her dual primary student were injured. The flight originated at the Pomona Airport, La Verne, California, on the day of the accident at 0900.

In the pilot/operator accident report, the flight instructor said the 50-hour student performed a slope landing in a flood control dam area used for practice landings. During the takeoff, the student lifted the low skid with cyclic; however, continued to apply the control and the helicopter started to roll beyond level. The instructor stated that she attempted to apply corrective control inputs but the student overpowered her. The helicopter continued to roll until the main rotor struck a 4-foot-tall steel post. The helicopter then rolled over.