On April 12, 1991, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N294Q) operated by Paul Concienne was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Ledge, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper decision to descend too low during a taxi, resulting in skid contact with the surface and a subsequent dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover after the student pilot descended too low during a night instructional taxi, causing the skid to contact the taxiway surface.
What happened
The accident occurred while a certified flight instructor (CFI) and his student were taxiing back to the ramp following a night instructional helicopter lesson. During this phase of ground movement, the student pilot ascended to an altitude of approximately 15 feet. The CFI instructed the student to decrease altitude in response to this ascent. The student then descended too low, causing the helicopter's skid to contact the taxiway surface. This contact resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance during the descent from a low hover while under instruction. The dynamic rollover was initiated by the skid contacting the ground after the excessive descent rate.
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper decision to descend too low during a taxi, resulting in skid contact with the surface and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Apr 1991 Enstrom F-28A accident near Grand Ledge, MI?
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover after the student pilot descended too low during a night instructional taxi, causing the skid to contact the taxiway surface.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Apr 1991 involved an Enstrom F-28A, registration N294Q, operated by Paul Concienne, at Grand Ledge, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's improper decision to descend too low during a taxi, resulting in skid contact with the surface and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…