Probable cause
The certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent rollover.
NTSB analysis
The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that she had relocated the helicopter from a dolly to the taxiway in order for the student to conduct the takeoff from the taxiway. The student pilot took control of the helicopter and lifted the collective, and the helicopter began to roll to the right. The CFI stated that she lowered the collective and applied left cyclic, but the helicopter continued to roll to the right. The helicopter came to rest on its right side and sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The CFI reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA505 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clearwater, Florida
- Nearest airport
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl (PIE)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N982DH
- 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.