Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper bank control during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that, after the student pilot performed several practice approaches, they landed the helicopter, and the flight instructor exited. The instructor reported that, after the start, the student pilot attempted to take off; the left skid lifted off the ground, but the right skid did not. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled to the right and came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The flight instructor reported that, after the student pilot performed several practice approaches, they landed the helicopter and the flight instructor exited. The instructor reported that after the start, the student pilot attempted to takeoff; the left skid lifted off the ground, but the right skid did not. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled to the right and came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.