On May 10, 2000, a Robinson R-22 BETA (registration N7185C) was involved in an aviation accident near Galesburg, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference and proper control during the landing flare on soft terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained significant damage after a hard landing caused it to roll onto its side. The pilot admitted to looking away during the final approach, leading to loss of control on soft terrain.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a rollover incident immediately following a hard landing. According to the pilot's account, attention was diverted during the critical phase of descent. He reported glancing to the right and then back forward just as he initiated the collective input to settle the helicopter onto the soft terrain. This sequence resulted in the aircraft tipping onto its left side.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed substantial structural damage. The tail boom was found to be severed, indicating significant force during the rollover. Additionally, compression bucking was observed in the fuselage, consistent with the impact forces described by the pilot.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference and proper control during the landing flare on soft terrain.