On September 8, 2005, a Robinson R22 (registration N8348T) operated by Orbic Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Clarita, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mistake of increasing the collective in an attempt to clear the obstruction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter rolled over while hover taxiing in a dry river bed after the right skid contacted wet sand, causing the pilot to make a control error. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Accident Details
A helicopter rolled over while hover taxiing into position for a takeoff in a dry river bed. The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the area. Following a landing, the pilot was repositioning the helicopter to the right when the right skid contacted wet sand and dug in. The helicopter began tipping to the right, and the pilot responded by applying left cyclic.
Pilot Statement
The pilot told Federal Aviation Administration inspectors that he then made the mistake of increasing the collective in an attempt to clear the obstruction. The helicopter subsequently rolled over to the right and sustained substantial damage.
Probable cause
The pilot's mistake of increasing the collective in an attempt to clear the obstruction.