On February 1, 2003, a Robinson R22 (registration N528EE) operated by Heliflight was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The private pilots improper use of flight controls during a run on landing resulting in a roll 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.
A helicopter rolled over after the left skid contacted an unknown object during a landing demonstration, causing the private pilot to make inadvertent control inputs.
Accident Details
A private pilot was performing a run-on landing demonstration for a check pilot. The helicopter touched down on the sod area adjacent to runway 08 in a level attitude at or above effective translational lift.
Sequence of Events
During the deceleration phase, the left front skid contacted an unknown object, causing the helicopter to slow down rapidly. The private pilot lunged forward in his seat and inadvertently moved the cyclic forward and to the left while simultaneously increasing collective pitch. As a result, the helicopter pivoted around the toe of the left skid and rolled over onto its left side. Neither the private pilot nor the check pilot was able to take corrective action before the rollover occurred.
Pilot Statement
The private pilot stated that the helicopter experienced no mechanical failure or malfunction prior to the accident.