Accident Details
On May 2, 2019, at 1538 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta II, registration N7532R, was substantially damaged in an accident near Lincoln Park, New Jersey. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was an introductory demonstration for the student pilot. After departing, they performed low-level maneuvers for about 30 minutes before returning to the airport to practice hovering. Following approximately 10 minutes of hovering, they decided to taxi back to the parking area and end the flight. The instructor took control of the helicopter while it was in a stable hover about 5 to 10 feet above ground level, intending to taxi forward. He then heard the low rotor rpm warning horn sound, and the helicopter simultaneously experienced a violent yaw to the right with the nose pitching up.
The instructor immediately attempted to regain control by rolling the throttle to idle to arrest the yaw. However, the tail rotor struck the ground, causing the helicopter to spin more rapidly. The helicopter completed between four and seven full 360° rotations before coming to rest on its right side.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the main rotor, fuselage, and tail boom. Flight control continuity from the main rotor to the tail section was confirmed. Examination of the engine showed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failures that would have precluded normal operation.