On June 14, 2002, a Robinson R-22 BETA (registration N7041B) operated by Silver State Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near North Las Vegas, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper liftoff into tailwind conditions, improper use of the collective, and failure to relinquish the flight controls to the CFI, resulting in the helicopter colliding with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter rolled onto its side after a downwind takeoff attempt when the student pilot and CFI struggled for control, causing the right skid to dig into terrain.
Accident Sequence
The accident occurred while the helicopter was attempting a downwind takeoff from a remote practice area. During the takeoff, the student pilot turned the helicopter downwind. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control and maneuvered the helicopter back into the wind. The student pilot did not relinquish the controls and began raising the collective. The CFI overpowered the student and lowered the collective. The student then lifted the collective again, and the helicopter became airborne. After this sequence repeated, the CFI forced the collective down and held it in the lowered position. While touching down, the helicopter slowly moved backward, and the aft portion of the right skid dug into the rough terrain. The helicopter rolled onto its right side.
Findings
The CFI did not report any mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident.