Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot stated that prior to departure for a solo cross-country flight, his flight instructor informed him he would notice extra aft weight when lifting off as this would be his first time flying the helicopter solo with full fuel tanks. The student pilot stated that as the helicopter became light on its skids, he felt it tilt aft, and corrected with the application of cyclic and anti-torque pedals. As he raised the collective and lifted off the ground, the helicopter turned to the right, and he immediately lowered the collective and set the helicopter back down. The helicopter's tail skid impacted the ground, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter, and that the right turn may have been prevented by additional left anti-torque pedal application.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA235 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marlboro, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Marlboro Airport (9B1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R22
- N-number
- N791SH
- Category
- Helicopter
- 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.