Robinson Helicopter Company R22 N999FR accident near Hawley, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s poor decision to exit the helicopter with the engine and main rotor still operating.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he landed and exited the helicopter and stood just outside of the door. The helicopter “picked up, spun around,” and knocked the pilot onto the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its left side resulting in substantial damage. The helicopter manufacturer had issued a safety notice SN-17 in 1984. The notice stated in part that the pilot should never exit the helicopter with the engine running and rotors turning as “the collective can creep up, increasing both pitch and throttle, allowing the helicopter to lift off or roll out of control.” The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA167 for the full record.