Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 near Beaumont, TX — 2016-06-07

Final reportGAA16CA290
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Date
2016-06-07
Location
Beaumont, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66
Registration
N38SL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The non-pilot owner's decision to start the helicopter while awaiting the pilot's arrival, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a rollover.

NTSB narrative

The owner of the helicopter, who did not hold a pilot certificate, reported that he followed the manufacture checklist and started the helicopter as he awaited the arrival of his pilot. He further reported that as the main rotor reached "idle speed" the helicopter spun to the right and rolled over, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor drive shaft and tail boom. The owner's pilot did not witness the accident and did not authorize the owner's actions. The owner did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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