Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Leghighton, PA — 2022-08-03

Final reportERA22LA357
Sign in to save
Date
2022-08-03
Location
Leghighton, PA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N45CA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing on a slope, which resulted in dynamic rollover.

NTSB narrative

The pilot explained that the accident occurred at the completion of a local flight that departed from a private residence. While landing from a hover to a “slight slope,” the pilot said he lowered the collective “too rapidly,” the helicopter “landed roughly” and that he raised the collective control to recover the landing. “At that point, I entered a dynamic rollover to the left in which I was unable to recover.” The helicopter came to rest on its side with substantial damage to the cabin and the tailboom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps