Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Hobbs, NM — 2025-03-25

Final reportWPR25LA118
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Date
2025-03-25
Location
Hobbs, NM, USA
Airport
HOB
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N7530U
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s loss of directional control during a hover, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was on going on a solo flight after being endorsed and completing a dual instruction flight. As the helicopter lifted into a hover, the instructor saw the student jerk the collective and the helicopter spun to the right. The student attempted to recover with cyclic control inputs, but the helicopter dynamically rolled over and impacted terrain. Subsequently, the fuselage and drivetrain sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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