On March 24, 1999, a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 (registration N4412C) was involved in an aviation accident near Zephyrhills, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper use of flight controls (cyclic and collective) during a takeoff to a hover. This resulted in the helicopter encountering dynamic rollover and rolling over on its right side. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot attempting to reposition his helicopter in a backyard lost control, leading to a dynamic rollover and rollover onto its right side.
Incident Details
A student pilot was preparing to wash his helicopter in his back yard. Upon realizing the garden hose was about 6 feet too short, he decided to move the helicopter approximately 10 to 15 feet to the right to reach the hose.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot started the helicopter and performed a flight control check, which was reported as uneventful. He then increased collective and cyclic, applied left antitorque pedal, and began to lift the helicopter off the ground. Shortly after initiating the lift, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled dynamic rollover and rolled onto its right side.
Outcome
The helicopter came to rest on its right side after the dynamic rollover event. The extent of damage to the aircraft is not specified in the available information.