Helicopter Violent Yaw During Instructional Hover Leads to Crash

Casualties unknown • Plymouth, MA, US

A private pilot lost control during an instructional hover, causing a violent yaw and crash. Mechanical inspection revealed no anomalies in the aircraft.

What happened

During an instructional flight, a rotorcraft-rated private pilot was conducting maneuvers while the helicopter was hovering. The pilot initiated a clearing pedal turn to the right. Approximately a quarter turn into the maneuver, the helicopter yawed violently to the right and crashed before the flight instructor could intervene.

The investigation

Examination of the helicopter revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have contributed to the accident. Notably, the flight instructor had been involved in a similar accident with the same helicopter but a different student approximately one month earlier.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during a clearing pedal turn while hovering.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-03-12 Schweizer 269C accident near Plymouth, MA?

A private pilot lost control during an instructional hover, causing a violent yaw and crash. Mechanical inspection revealed no anomalies in the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-03-12 involved a Schweizer 269C, registration N2074K, at Plymouth, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of control during a clearing pedal turn while hovering.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070402X00354. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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