Probable cause
The student pilot not controlling the helicopter following a wind gust and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action resulting in the helicopter rolling over on its side during a landing.
NTSB analysis
For about 30 minutes, the flight instructor and his student pilot were practicing hovering and landings on a level concrete area. During the accident touchdown, a wind gust or wind shift occurred and the helicopter shifted sideways. The pilots felt the skids "catch" and the left side of the helicopter began to lift. The flight instructor called for and took control of the helicopter. The student pilot had not released his controls. The helicopter then rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial tailboom damage. The pilot's accident report indicated that there were no helicopter mechanical malfunctions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA108 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 9, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Beaumont, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Beaumont Muni (BMT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
- N-number
- N994HV
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1989
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.