Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Lantana, FL — 2018-07-27

Final reportGAA18CA450
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Date
2018-07-27
Location
Lantana, FL, USA
Airport
LNA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N479AT
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter instructor reported that, during the approach to land, about 5 ft above the ground, the student pilot overcorrected and moved the cyclic "back hard and slightly right." The right rear skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled to the right. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The student reported that he believed the skid strike and unusual attitude were caused by his inexperience. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, the fuselage, and the tailboom. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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