ROBINSON R22 near Portland, OR — 2010-09-30

Probable cause

The student pilot's decision to hover-taxi behind a jet, resulting in the helicopter encountering jet wash and rolling over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was returning to his home airport when the accident occurred. On final approach, the pilot noted another helicopter was at the parking area, so he altered his course towards taxiway "A" and finished his approach coming to a hover about 3 to 5 feet above the ground. He then commenced to hover-taxi to his parking spot. The student pilot stated that in order to reach his intended parking spot he would have to pass behind an Embraer jet that was holding short of the runway. The pilot reported that he was not expecting the jet blast produced by the turbine engines, and as the helicopter passed behind the airplane, it yawed to the left and rolled onto its side, impacting the ground. According to witnesses, the accident helicopter passed about 30 feet behind the jet at an altitude of about 3 feet above the ground.

NTSB coding

• Prop/jet/rotor blast/suction · Taxi-from runway
• Decision Making / Judgment
• Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Witness Statementinterview

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