Accident Overview
On February 14, 2018, at about 1336 Eastern Standard Time, a Robinson Helicopters Inc. R22 Beta, registration N337H, experienced a hard landing and subsequent rollover in dense vegetation approximately 5 miles southeast of Charleston Air Force/International Airport, South Carolina. The helicopter was on a local instructional flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, operated by Holy City Helicopters and registered to Spitzer Helicopter. Both the flight instructor and student were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and flight following was not in effect.
Flight Details
The instructor, familiar with the area, was conducting a lesson focused on hovering and transition to forward flight. The wind was reported from the west/northwest at about 10 knots, with takeoff direction into the wind.
Events Leading to the Accident
During the accident pattern, the student pilot had control of the helicopter and had transitioned from a hover through effective translational lift into forward flight. The student initiated a right turn over dense vegetation when a small unmanned aerial system (UAS), described as a white quadcopter, appeared about 10 feet in front of the helicopter at eye level. The instructor took control and made a hard right and aft cyclic input to avoid the UAS. This evasive maneuver placed the helicopter in a right quartering tailwind. After the maneuver, the helicopter retained some forward airspeed but began to descend rapidly. At about 40 feet above ground level, the instructor noted the descent resembled settling with power. The helicopter descended until the tail rotor struck trees, causing a rightward spin. The instructor reduced throttle to lessen the spin and attempted to cushion the landing by increasing collective. The helicopter impacted the ground, continued spinning, and rolled onto its right side.
Post-Accident Investigation
The day after the accident, Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors canvassed the vicinity, including a housing development under construction about a quarter-mile from the site. One construction crew member recalled seeing the helicopter operating near the time of the accident, but none reported seeing a drone. The flight instructor stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the tail rotor strike. The student pilot reported that during the right turn, a small white drone appeared in their field of vision, leading to the instructor's evasive actions. The student also recounted losing tail rotor authority after the tail rotor struck treetops, followed by an autorotation and impact with terrain.
Damage and Injuries
The helicopter sustained substantial damage, specifically to the tail rotor drive shaft. The helicopter rolled onto its right side after impact. Both occupants escaped without injury.