On 4 Nov 2019, a Robinson R22 ALPHA operated by Smoketown Helicopters LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Smoketown, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper cyclic input while hovering and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a discovery flight, a helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover after a student pilot applied right cyclic while hovering, leading to substantial damage to the main rotor and horizontal stabilizer.
Accident Details
A flight instructor was providing a discovery flight to a potential student. After a cruise flight, the instructor landed the helicopter to demonstrate hovering. The instructor lifted the helicopter to 3 to 4 feet above a grassy field north of the runway. While maintaining positive control of the collective and anti-torque pedal, the instructor gave cyclic control to the student.
Sequence of Events
While the instructor was "guarding" the cyclic, the student applied right cyclic input. The helicopter descended, and the right skid contacted the ground. The instructor then applied left cyclic, but the helicopter dynamically rolled over and impacted the terrain.
Damage
Substantial damage occurred to the main rotor system and horizontal stabilizer.
Findings
The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotInstructor/check pilotPerformance/control parameters — 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)