Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22 near Riverside, CA — 2016-03-17

Final reportGAA16CA151
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Date
2016-03-17
Location
Riverside, CA, USA
Airport
RAL
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22
Registration
N9076U
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's incorrect action performance by not applying sufficient pressure to the right anti-torque pedal, resulting in an uncontrollable left yaw, and ground impact.

NTSB narrative

According to the student pilot, during his first solo flight, he aborted his first approach and landing because he was too steep and too fast. He reported that after terminating the second approach to a hover, he attempted to set the helicopter down on the runway. The student pilot reported that while established at a five foot hover, he lowered the collective with more force than normal and the helicopter touched down hard. He reported that he attempted to establish a hover after the hard touch down and quickly increased the collective without applying sufficient right anti-torque pedal. He recalled that a rapid right yaw ensued and the helicopter spun several revolutions before impacting the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the frame and tail rotor drive shaft. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the helicopter prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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