Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Hovering Turn Leads to Helicopter Rollover (N8902F)

Davison, MI, US

On July 12, 1982, a Hughes 269A (registration N8902F) operated by Helicopters Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Davison, MI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter rolled over during a hovering autorotation after an instructor pilot took control due to a drop in RPM during a right pedal turn.

Incident Overview

A student pilot and instructor pilot were conducting a hovering exercise in a helicopter. The maneuver involved a 180-degree pedal turn to the right. According to the instructor pilot, after the helicopter had rotated 90 degrees, the rate of turn began to increase. The student applied left pedal input to slow the turn.

Sequence of Events

The instructor pilot observed that the engine RPM had dropped below the normal operating range. The instructor then assumed control of the helicopter. He increased RPM and added left pedal, but the helicopter continued to turn to the right. Unable to regain control of the turn, the instructor initiated a hovering autorotation.

Final Outcome

During touchdown following the hovering autorotation, the helicopter rolled over. The official report did not specify any injuries, damage, or subsequent actions such as medical examinations or aircraft disposition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02979. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.