Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control of the helicopter while in a hover.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter was in a stabilized hover into the wind on the approach end of the runway for about 15 to 20 seconds. The pilot was preparing to move the cyclic forward to start the helicopter into forward flight when the nose began a slight uncommanded turn to the right. The pilot added more left pedal, but the helicopter quickly picked up momentum and speed until the helicopter was spinning out of control. The pilot then lowered the collective pitch lever and the helicopter struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 9, 2011, about 2230 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N372LE, was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway at Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH), Lake Charles, Louisiana. The helicopter was registered to Bend Helicopter Partners, LLC., and operated by Performance Helicopters, LLC. Dark night marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 solo training flight. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The local flight had originated about 2130. According to the pilot, he had been in a stabilized hover on the approach end of the runway for about 15 to 20 seconds. He was preparing to move the cyclic forward to start the helicopter into forward flight when the nose began a slight uncommanded turn to the right. The pilot added more left pedal, but the helicopter quickly picked up momentum and speed until the helicopter was spinning out of control. The pilot then lowered the collective pitch lever and the helicopter struck the runway surface. The tail rotor hub and both tail rotor blades separated and the main rotor blades and tail boom showed impact damage. The helicopter came to rest upright and there were numerous 360 degree swirl marks on the runway surface. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.