Helicopter Rolls to the Right During Student Takeoff Attempt

Accident Details

A helicopter training flight ended with the aircraft on its right side after a takeoff attempt. According to the certified flight instructor (CFI) on board, she had moved the helicopter from a dolly to the taxiway so the student pilot could perform a takeoff from that location. The student then took control of the helicopter and raised the collective pitch control. Immediately, the helicopter began to roll to the right.

Flight Instructor's Report

The CFI reported that she subsequently lowered the collective and applied left cyclic control in an effort to counter the roll. Despite these inputs, the helicopter continued to roll to the right until it came to rest on its right side. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom. The CFI stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that could have contributed to the event.