Summary
On September 24, 2011, a Robinson R22 Beta (N3070S) was involved in an incident near Douglas, WY. 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 yaw control of the helicopter while hover taxiing in gusty wind conditions.
According to the pilot, while hover taxiing downwind, a gust of wind pushed the tail 90 degrees to the left, which forced the helicopter to descend into the pavement. The pilot reported that the front and rear crossover tubes between the left and right landing skid assemblies were bent, and that the tail cone was wrinkled at the fuselage attach points.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR11CA467. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3070S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain yaw control of the helicopter while hover taxiing in gusty wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot, while hover taxiing downwind, a gust of wind pushed the tail 90 degrees to the left, which forced the helicopter to descend into the pavement. The pilot reported that the front and rear crossover tubes between the left and right landing skid assemblies were bent, and that the tail cone was wrinkled at the fuselage attach points.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA467