Pilot Debrief

GIACKINO DONALD W ROTORWAY 162F near Marquette, MI — 2015-03-28

Final reportCEN15LA185
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Date
2015-03-28
Location
Marquette, MI, USA
Aircraft
GIACKINO DONALD W ROTORWAY 162F
Registration
N556DG
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Hover

Probable cause

The loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he planned on hovering in the helicopter to get some measurements using a vibration computer. After lifting off and entering a hover, the helicopter started to yaw left. The pilot applied the right pedal, but the yaw continued. While the pilot maneuvered the helicopter away from buildings, it entered a spin and then spun about six to eight times before a main rotor blade struck a tree. The pilot stated that there was only a light breeze and no wind gusts at the time of the accident. An examination of the tail rotor drive belts revealed that at least two of the three belts were not damaged. The reason for the loss of control could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the hover before losing control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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