Accident Overview
On April 13, 2019, at approximately 1220 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration N689M, was substantially damaged during impact with water while maneuvering near Bradenton Beach, Florida. The flight instructor and private pilot on board were not injured. The instructional flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed Buchan Airport (X36), Englewood, Florida, around 1100, destined for Clearwater Airport (CLW), Clearwater, Florida.
Sequence of Events
The private pilot stated he was receiving instruction to prepare for a commercial pilot practical examination. During the lesson, the private pilot flew at about 100 feet above the water while the flight instructor took pictures of boats. The private pilot then executed a 180-degree turn to obtain a better angle for a photograph. Immediately after the turn, the helicopter lost power and/or lift. The pilot assumed he entered settling with power because the wind might have shifted. He attempted to level the helicopter before impact with the water but did not have enough time. The helicopter came to rest inverted in the water, and both pilots egressed.
The flight instructor stated that the pilot made a turn into a downwind, placing the helicopter in a tailwind. The pilot then pulled back to zero airspeed, causing the helicopter to settle into its own downwash. The accident occurred so quickly that the flight instructor had no time to take the controls and correct. He added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Aircraft Damage
Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the main rotor, fuselage, and tailboom.
Meteorological Information
The recorded wind at an airport located about 8 miles southeast of the accident site, at 1253, was from 190 degrees at 15 knots.