CircumFlightN90570 Hughes 269C accident
NTSB WPR13CA160 · 2013-03-25 · Rialto, CA · near L67
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
According to the student pilot, while in a hover before departure, he attempted a 360-degree right pedal turn. About 180 degrees into the turn, the rotation speed started to increase. The pilot thought his reaction to the increased rotation speed was not as decisive as it should have been, and the helicopter departing controlled flight. The pilot stated that he did not press on the left pedal; instead, he released pressure on the right pedal. The helicopter came to rest upright after impacting the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft and boom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Full narrative
According to the student pilot, he reported that while in a hover prior to departure, he attempted a 360-degree right pedal turn. About 180 degrees into the turn, the rotation speed started to increase. The pilot thought his reaction to the increased rotation speed was not as decisive as it should have been, which resulted in the helicopter departing controlled flight. The pilot stated that he did not press on the left pedal; instead he released pressure on the right pedal. The helicopter came to rest upright after impacting the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft and boom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering in a hover. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Wind direction
- 0
- Nearest airport
- Rialto Municipal Airport
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 1455
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N90570 | HUGHES | 269C | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maneuvering-hover Loss of control in flight defining | Climb |
| 2 | Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Descent |
Findings
| Finding | |
|---|---|
| Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student pilot | cause |