Robinson R22 N695AP accident near Beeville, Texas

Probable cause

The solo student pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in dynamic rollover.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot and flight instructor completed an instructional flight, after which the instructor exited the helicopter to watch the student conduct a solo flight. The instructor explained to the student that the helicopter was going to "pick up" differently without his weight onboard, like the student's initial solo flight the day before, and the student "concurred and understood."

The instructor watched the helicopter take off from the dry asphalt; however, the helicopter was "sliding back and right" as it took off. The right rear skid tube contacted the ground, the student did not correct for the ground contact, and the helicopter entered a dynamic rollover sequence. The main rotor blades impacted the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, tailboom, and empennage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.

It is likely that the student applied improper cyclic input during the takeoff, which resulted in the right rear skid tube contacting the ground and a subsequent dynamic rollover.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA037 for the full record.