Summary
On June 25, 2015, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (N842SH) was involved in an incident near Eagle Lake, TX. 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 secure the iPad during flight, resulting in an inadvertent cyclic input, and collision with terrain.
The pilot reported that that during a low-level agricultural flight, his iPad was not secured on his lap, and it slid off onto the collective. He reported that while he was retrieving the iPad, he inadvertently applied forward cyclic, the helicopter impacted terrain, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA154. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N842SH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to secure the iPad during flight, resulting in an inadvertent cyclic input, and collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that that during a low-level agricultural flight, his iPad was not secured on his lap, and it slid off onto the collective. He reported that while he was retrieving the iPad, he inadvertently applied forward cyclic, the helicopter impacted terrain, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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# GAA15CA154