CircumFlightN311RM accident
NTSB CEN20CA180 · 2020-05-16 · Rochester, IN · near RCR
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot reported that he intended to take the helicopter out to practice hover flight. As he started to lift the helicopter off of the ground and move towards the grass, he lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground. An examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor. The pilot attributed his inability to maintain control of the helicopter to a stronger than expected crosswind and that he had not flown a helicopter for about 19 years.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during lift off. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience flying a helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 90
- Wind speed (kt)
- 10
- Temperature (F)
- 73
- Nearest airport
- Fulton County
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 789
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N311RM | — | — | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maneuvering-hover Dynamic rollover defining | Climb |
Findings
| Finding | |
|---|---|
| Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot | cause |
| Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Recent experience-Pilot - F | cause |