On June 9, 2003, a Robinson R22 BETA II (registration N727DD) was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor's inadequate supervision and his failure to maintain aircraft control. The wind gusts were a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter rolled over and came to rest on its side during a low-altitude hover on a student's second instructional flight. The CFI and student shared controls, with no preimpact anomalies found.
Incident Overview
A helicopter rolled over and struck the ground while hovering at low altitude during an instructional flight. This session was the second training flight for the student pilot. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the student were both on the controls. The helicopter was hovering about 5 feet above ground level. The CFI manipulated the cyclic, while the student controlled the antitorque pedals and the collective.
While hovering, the helicopter rolled to the right and collided with the ground, eventually coming to rest on its side. Investigation found no preimpact control anomalies. Wind conditions just prior to the accident were reported from 170 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 17 knots. A 3-foot-long drag mark in the dirt was observed leading directly to the helicopter's right skid.