Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot misjudged the landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter rolled over following a hard landing. The pilot reported that during the landing he glanced to the right then back forward. He said he pulled the collective and the helicopter settled to the soft terrain prior to rolling onto its left side. Post accident examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom was severed and there was compression bucking in the fuselage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 9, 2000, at 2000 central daylight time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N7185C, rolled over on landing at a private landing area in Galesburg, North Dakota. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from Cormorant, Minnesota at 1945 cdt. The pilot reported that during the landing he glanced to the right then back forward. He said he pulled the collective and the helicopter settled to the soft terrain. The helicopter subsequently rolled onto its left side. Post accident examination of the helicopter by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Fargo, North Dakota, Flight Standards District Office, revealed the tail boom was severed and there was compression bucking in the fuselage.