Robinson Helicopter R44 N7102Z accident near Pontiac, Michigan

Probable cause

The flight crew’s inadequate compensation for gusting wind, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in impact with the ground.

NTSB analysis

A flight instructor and a private pilot receiving instruction were performing a hovering maneuver as part of a flight lesson. During an exchange of the flight controls, a gust of wind moved the helicopter backward. The flight instructor reassumed control of the helicopter, but the tail rotor assembly struck the ground and separated from the helicopter. He then performed a hovering autorotation, the helicopter landed upright on its skids and the occupants egressed the helicopter without injury. The ground strike resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom assembly. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA219 for the full record.