On 23 Sep 2019, a GEORGE W. FELIX MOSQUITO XE was involved in an aviation accident near Kershaw, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control, the skid impacting the ground, and a subsequent dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
The student pilot of a single-seat helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover shortly after takeoff, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tailboom. He reported not having the cyclic in neutral during lift-off.
Accident Details
A student pilot flying a single-seat helicopter reported an accident that occurred shortly after takeoff from his private cement pad. According to the pilot, when the helicopter was about 2 feet above the ground, it unexpectedly "darted forward and left." The pilot attempted to correct the drift, but the helicopter began "swinging back and forth." During this oscillation, the left skid struck the ground, causing the helicopter to dynamically roll over and impact the terrain.
Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. He added that he "did not have the cyclic in a neutral position when he lifted off." The pilot further reported that the accident flight was his first flight in the helicopter.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tailboom.
Contributing factors
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained