Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N666U accident near Nashua, New Hampshire

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was receiving a checkout in the helicopter from the flight instructor, and they were practicing pick-ups and touchdowns on the non-movement area of the airport. The flight instructor was demonstrating a pick-up to the pilot when the helicopter rolled left (due to a wind gust) and reached an angle where the instructor described that he was unable to recover, resulting in a dynamic rollover. The fuselage and main rotor were substantially damaged during the accident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation, nor did the flight instructor report any.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA236 for the full record.