Pilot Debrief

Robinson R22 near Hayward, CA — 2018-12-28

Final reportWPR19CA052
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Date
2018-12-28
Location
Hayward, CA, USA
Airport
KHWD
Aircraft
Robinson R22
Registration
N8319T
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a bird during low-altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings at the airport. The student took off from taxiway Z and flew a right traffic pattern with the intent to land on taxiway A. As the helicopter was making a right crosswind turn over a golf course at 300 ft above ground level, a large bird flew out of the trees and struck the tail rotor. The flight instructor took over control of the helicopter as it began to yaw, and he subsequently initiated an autorotation to the golf course, and the helicopter landed hard. The tailboom and fuselage were substantially damaged. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Bird remains identified as a turkey vulture were found on the golf course. The average weight of the species is 4 lbs.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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