Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during a hover pedal turn.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that the purpose of his flight was to practice hover taxi. During a right pedal turn, about 3 to 5 ft above the ground, the helicopter rolled onto its side. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot reported that the purpose of his flight was to practice hover taxi. During a peddle turn to the right, about 3 to 5 ft above the ground, the helicopter rolled onto its side. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.