Pilot Debrief

Robinson R44 near Montgomery, NY — 2008-03-17

Final reportNYC08CA140
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Date
2008-03-17
Location
Montgomery, NY, USA
Airport
MGJ
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Registration
N3027Y
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to the student pilot, he conducted a training flight with a flight instructor, in the R44 helicopter, and then prepared for a solo flight in anticipation of his upcoming private pilot check ride. During liftoff, he began to correct for an anticipated "tail low" condition due to full fuel and only one person on board, by using "light" forward cyclic. The helicopter drifted forward toward fuel pumps and a light post, and the pilot "over controlled" the helicopter by moving the cyclic aft. The pilot stated that he reacted "a little late," and drifted too close to the post. The main rotor struck the post, the fuselage spun, and the tail of the helicopter impacted the ground, before the helicopter came to rest on its skids.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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