Pilot Debrief

GEORGE W. FELIX MOSQUITO near Kershaw, SC — 2019-09-23

Final reportGAA19CA567
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Date
2019-09-23
Location
Kershaw, SC, USA
Aircraft
GEORGE W. FELIX MOSQUITO
Registration
N849GF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control, the skid impacting the ground, and a subsequent dynamic rollover.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff from his private cement pad and about 2 ft above ground level, the helicopter "darted forward and left." He attempted to correct the drift, but the helicopter began "swinging back and forth," the left skid impacted the ground, and the helicopter then dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tailboom. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The student added that the he "did not have the cyclic in a neutral position when he lifted off" and that the accident flight was his first flight in the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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