Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance above the terrain while maneuvering, resulting in a collision with the terrain, and subsequent rollover.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 24, 2001, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22B, N7119D, registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, sustained a roll over in the vicinity of Garner, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The rotorcraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot, following a 15-minute flight around his farm he put the rotorcraft down in a cow pasture. As he was departing the landing spot, maneuvering in about a 1-foot hover above the ground, his left landing skid collided with a high growth of grass, and caused the rotorcraft to roll over. The main rotor struck the ground and the rotorcraft came to rest on its left side. He further stated that weather factors, rotorcraft flight control and engine operation were not factors.
According to an FAA inspector, the pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in a field on his property. On one liftoff, the pilot allowed the rotorcraft to drift left and settle slightly. The left front skid contacted the ground and the rotorcraft encountered a dynamic rollover condition. The pilot was unable to stop the rolling motion, and rolled onto the rotorcraft's left side, sustaining substantial damage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA01LA172