Summary
On September 22, 2007, a Robinson R44 II (N3184T) was involved in an incident near Nashville, TN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter.
According to the student pilot, while preparing for his first solo flight in the Robinson R44 II, he began the sprag clutch check and "split the needles," and then released the throttle to proceed with the checklist. The governor then "kicked in", the rpm increased to 102 percent, and the helicopter began to spin on the pavement. The pilot-side skid snagged a crack on the pavement, collapsed, and the rotor and tail boom then struck the ground. The student pilot stated he never applied, unlocked, or released the collective. Examination of the flight controls by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any abnormalities.
This incident is documented in NTSB report NYC07CA236. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3184T.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the student pilot, while preparing for his first solo flight in the Robinson R44 II, he began the sprag clutch check and "split the needles," and then released the throttle to proceed with the checklist. The governor then "kicked in", the rpm increased to 102 percent, and the helicopter began to spin on the pavement. The pilot-side skid snagged a crack on the pavement, collapsed, and the rotor and tail boom then struck the ground. The student pilot stated he never applied, unlocked, or released the collective. Examination of the flight controls by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any abnormalities.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC07CA236