Robinson R44 near Sanford, ME — 2019-09-28
Final reportERA19LA287
- Date
- 2019-09-28
- Location
- Sanford, ME, USA
- Airport
- SFM
- Aircraft
- Robinson R44
- Registration
- N21EH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Fatalities
- 0
- Phase of flight
- Taxi
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while hover-taxiing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB narrative
After completing a three-leg cross-country training flight in the helicopter, the solo student was hover-taxiing about 15 ft above the taxiway surface. Witnesses reported that gusting winds prevailed and that they saw the helicopter enter a spin, followed by a nose-low impact with the ground. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The pilot was seriously injured and unable to recall the accident sequence. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Analysis
- Primary failure mode
- Loss of control
- First missed decision gate
- Pilot could have aborted the taxi when experiencing loss of control.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- Photos
- 10 docket documents
Docket documents10
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
- Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
- Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
- Witness Statement - Gingrasinterview
- Witness Statement - Hillinterview
- Excerpts - Maintenance Logbooksother
- NTSB Memorandum for Record - Tremblayother
- Photo Arrayphotos
- Sanford ME Police Incident Reportreport
- NTSB Memorandum of Record - Wreckage Examwreckage
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