On October 31, 2005, a Robinson BETA II (registration N861MP) was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrenceville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of flight controls which resulted in a collision with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lifted the collective, causing a left turn. Despite corrective inputs, the helicopter spun right, hit a fence, and rolled over. Post-accident examination revealed tail boom separation and buckled main rotor blades.
Incident Sequence
According to a student pilot, the helicopter began to turn left after he lifted the collective control. In response, he lowered the collective, applied right anti-torque input, and added power. The helicopter then began spinning to the right, collided with a fence, and rolled over onto its right side before coming to a stop.
Damage Assessment
Examination of the helicopter revealed that the tail boom had separated from the airframe and the main rotor blades were buckled at the main rotor mass. The student pilot did not report any mechanical problem with the helicopter prior to the incident.
What happened in the 31 Oct 2005 Robinson BETA II accident near Lawrenceville, GA?
A student pilot lifted the collective, causing a left turn. Despite corrective inputs, the helicopter spun right, hit a fence, and rolled over. Post-accident examination revealed tail boom separation and buckled main rotor blades.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Oct 2005 involved a Robinson BETA II, registration N861MP, at Lawrenceville, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper use of flight controls which resulted in a collision with a fence.
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