Pilot Debrief

MOSQUITO XEL near LOXAHATCHEE, FL — 2018-01-21

Final reportERA18LA082
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Date
2018-01-21
Location
LOXAHATCHEE, FL, USA
Aircraft
MOSQUITO XEL
Registration
UNREG
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and his lack of training and experience in the accident helicopter make and model.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot, who was also the owner of the unregistered, single-seat helicopter, was practicing takeoffs, hovers, and landings; it was his first flight in the accident helicopter. After the first successful takeoff and landing, the pilot attempted to perform another takeoff. During the second takeoff attempt, the helicopter gained altitude and began yawing left. The helicopter climbed to about 60 ft and continued to yaw, and it then descended and impacted terrain. Although the pilot had received about 60 hours of dual flight instruction in two other make and model helicopters during the previous 2 years, he had not received instruction in the accident make and model helicopter. Given that the pilot's most recent logged flight experience with an instructor occurred nearly 17 months before the accident and that this was his first flight in the accident helicopter, it is likely that his lack of recent flight experience and lack of training and experience in the accident helicopter make and model contributed to his inability to maintain helicopter control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have attempted a test flight without proper certification.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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