On August 10, 2002, a Hughes 269A (registration N90271) operated by Charles Douglas was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aircraft control not maintained while hovering. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a student pilot's first solo hover attempt in a helicopter, the aircraft jumped into the air and moved right. The student overcorrected, causing the helicopter to move toward the instructor, then pulled the cyclic rear, resulting in a tail rotor ground strike and substantial damage.
Accident Description
According to a written statement from the student pilot, the accident flight was his first attempt to hover the helicopter solo. The student reported that after his instructor exited the helicopter, as he raised the collective in preparation for takeoff, the helicopter jumped into the air and moved to the right.
Pilot Actions
The student stated that he inadvertently overcorrected for the situation, and the helicopter started to move toward where his instructor was standing. In an effort to control the movement of the helicopter, he immediately pulled the cyclic to the rear.
Damage and Outcome
As a result of the cyclic input, the helicopter's tail rotor subsequently struck the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were provided in the student's statement.