Summary
On March 03, 2015, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (N4003S) was involved in an accident near San Bernardino, CA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the ground, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent dynamic rollover.
The pilot reported that while conducting a pedal turn at a hover over rough dirt and grass east of the taxiway, the right skid contacted the ground and became lodged. The helicopter subsequently spun and rolled on its right side. During the rollover, the helicopter's main rotor blades struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR15CA119. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4003S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the ground, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent dynamic rollover.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that while conducting a pedal turn at a hover over rough dirt and grass east of the taxiway, the right skid contacted the ground and became lodged. The helicopter subsequently spun and rolled on its right side. During the rollover, the helicopter's main rotor blades struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR15CA119