N7687H

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETAS/N: 4370

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA155
Location
Sevierville, TN
Event ID
20090204X45212
Coordinates
35.857776, -83.528610
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The flight instructor's improper remedial action following the student pilot's loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's loss of control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7687H
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
4370
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2008
Model / ICAO
R22 BETAR22
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
OLD CITY HELICOPTER SALES LLC
Address
4900 US HIGHWAY 1 N STE 400
Status
Deregistered
City
SAINT AUGUSTINE
State / Zip Code
FL 32095-6265
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was hover taxiing the helicopter along a taxiway that paralleled runway 10, when she asked him to stop, and make a left, 90-degree pedal turn. At the time, winds were from 230 degrees, at 8 knots. The student pilot initiated the pedal turn, and as the helicopter reached the 90-degree position, it began a spin to the left, which increased in velocity. The flight instructor then advised the student pilot that she had the controls; however, the spin would not stop. It became "very fast and I wasn't sure which way we were spinning." The flight instructor then reduced the throttle, but the spin "got faster," so she quickly lowered the collective "to get the helicopter on the ground." The helicopter then landed "hard," the left landing gear impacted the engine exhaust, the tail rotor blades hit the ground and were sheared off, and the tail boom was separated near the transmission. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted with the helicopter.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA155