Probable cause
The CFI's failure to prevent ground contact during hover, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) stated that he was tasked with flying with the student the morning of the accident. He spoke with the student's regular CFI and was briefed on his progress and ability. The helicopter was taxied to a defined spot on the airport and he began teaching the student how to hover. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes into the flight, while still practicing hovering, the CFI felt the helicopter moving aft followed by a violent jolt. The helicopter rolled onto the left side and caught fire. A postaccident inspection of the helicopter revealed that the main rotor hub was fractured and the associated main rotor blade was in 2 pieces.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA319 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- Nearest airport
- North Palm Beach County Genera (F45)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
- N-number
- N7988H
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.