Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 269C near Rialto, CA — 2013-03-25

Final reportWPR13CA160
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Date
2013-03-25
Location
Rialto, CA, USA
Airport
L67
Aircraft
HUGHES 269C
Registration
N90570
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering in a hover.

NTSB narrative

According to the student pilot, while in a hover before departure, he attempted a 360-degree right pedal turn. About 180 degrees into the turn, the rotation speed started to increase. The pilot thought his reaction to the increased rotation speed was not as decisive as it should have been, and the helicopter departing controlled flight. The pilot stated that he did not press on the left pedal; instead, he released pressure on the right pedal. The helicopter came to rest upright after impacting the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft and boom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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