Casualties unknown

2002-10-04: Robinson R-22 (N222MQ) — Corporate Aviation Inc. — Louisburg, NC

Louisburg, NC, US

On October 4, 2002, a Robinson R-22 (registration N222MQ) operated by Corporate Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Louisburg, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was late with flight control inputs, resulting in the helicopter rolling over. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a supervised solo flight, a helicopter rolled over on its right side after the pilot applied collective pitch, causing the aircraft to become airborne, yaw left, drift right, and collide with the ground twice.

Incident Summary

A student pilot on his second supervised solo flight experienced a rollover accident after applying collective pitch. The incident occurred when the helicopter's skids failed to lift evenly, leading to ground contact and subsequent rollover.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot increased collective pitch, the front of the skids lifted off the ground while the rear remained in contact. Continuing to increase collective, the helicopter became airborne. It then yawed to the left and began drifting to the right. During this drift, the right skid struck the ground, causing the helicopter to bounce back into the air. The pilot overcorrected with cyclic control, resulting in a second collision of the right skid with the ground. Following this, the helicopter rolled over onto its right side.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the helicopter. He acknowledged that his flight control inputs were delayed, leading to the rollover.

Probable cause

The pilot was late with flight control inputs, resulting in the helicopter rolling over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021007X05285. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.