N9076U

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22S/N: 0261

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, March 17, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA151
Location
Riverside, CA
Event ID
20160317X73352
Coordinates
33.951946, -117.444999
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's incorrect action performance by not applying sufficient pressure to the right anti-torque pedal, resulting in an uncontrollable left yaw, and ground impact.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9076U
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Serial Number
0261
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1982
Model / ICAO
R22R22
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
CALIFORNIA AVIATION SERVICES INC
Address
6791 AIRPORT DR STE A
Status
Deregistered
City
RIVERSIDE
State / Zip Code
CA 92504-1901
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the student pilot, during his first solo flight, he aborted his first approach and landing because he was too steep and too fast. He reported that after terminating the second approach to a hover, he attempted to set the helicopter down on the runway. The student pilot reported that while established at a five foot hover, he lowered the collective with more force than normal and the helicopter touched down hard. He reported that he attempted to establish a hover after the hard touch down and quickly increased the collective without applying sufficient right anti-torque pedal. He recalled that a rapid right yaw ensued and the helicopter spun several revolutions before impacting the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the frame and tail rotor drive shaft.

The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the helicopter prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight 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# GAA16CA151