Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Reports Gust of Wind Causing Main Rotor Ground Strike (N223Z)

Cleveland, GA, US

On October 21, 2007, a Robinson R-44 II (registration N223Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the landing, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was the windy conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that during a helicopter landing approach, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft right, causing the main rotor to strike the ground and resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting a landing approach in a helicopter when a gust of wind affected the aircraft's trajectory. According to the pilot's report, at an altitude of approximately two to four feet above the ground, the wind pushed the helicopter to the right. The main rotor subsequently impacted the ground, leading to substantial damage to the helicopter.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies were observed prior to the accident. The helicopter had been operating normally throughout the flight. The pilot did not report any control malfunctions or other technical issues that could have contributed to the event.

Wind Conditions

Wind conditions at the time of the accident were reported differently by official sources and the pilot. The reported winds at the airport were from 100 degrees at 9 knots. However, the student pilot estimated the winds to be from 360 degrees at 12 knots during the approach. The discrepancy suggests possible variable wind conditions at the landing site.

Damage Assessment

The impact of the main rotor with the ground caused substantial damage to the helicopter. The extent of the damage was significant enough to require repair or replacement of affected components. No further details on the specific damage were provided.

Investigation

An investigation into the incident was conducted based on the student pilot's account. No additional causal factors were identified beyond the gust of wind and the pilot's reported actions. The helicopter was not equipped with any recording devices that could provide additional data.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 2007 Robinson R-44 II accident near Cleveland, GA?

A student pilot reported that during a helicopter landing approach, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft right, causing the main rotor to strike the ground and resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 2007 involved a Robinson R-44 II, registration N223Z, at Cleveland, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the landing, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was the windy conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071126X01841. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.