Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient altitude over uneven terrain during a hover taxi, which resulted in ground contact and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was going to demonstrate a maneuver to his airplane rated student.
The instructor reported that he air taxied the helicopter to the departure end of the runway. He then slowed the helicopter down and while turning and hover taxiing over the grass area between the taxiway and the runway, the toe of the right skid contacted the uneven ground. The helicopter pivoted around the toe and rolled onto its side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor systems.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA19CA141