On 2 Oct 2013, a ROBINSON R22 - BETA BETA operated by Sun Aero Helicopters INC was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to take remedial action in a timely manner. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During hover practice, a student pilot lost control of the helicopter, leading to a ground contact and rollover. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during a training flight when a student pilot was practicing hovering maneuvers. The student reported having been hovering for approximately 30 minutes at an altitude of about two feet above the ground. In contrast, the flight instructor estimated the hover height to be between three and five feet.
Sequence of Events
According to the student pilot's account, he was controlling the cyclic and possibly the collective, but not the pedals. The helicopter then began to exhibit a pendular motion, moving backward and to the right. This motion caused the right skid to contact the ground, which subsequently led to the tail striking the ground. The helicopter then rolled onto its side.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage, specifically to the tail rotor. No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.
Contributing factors
Causes
Instructor/check pilot
Other contributing factors
Altitude — Not attained/maintained
Related events
Same aircraft family
20 Apr 2026 — ROBINSON R22
6 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R22
2 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R22
14 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R22 BETA (ESCOLA DE AVIAÇÃO CIVIL ASAS ROTATIVAS LTDAb)