Probable cause
The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing on a slope, which resulted in dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot explained that the accident occurred at the completion of a local flight that departed from a private residence. While landing from a hover to a “slight slope,” the pilot said he lowered the collective “too rapidly,” the helicopter “landed roughly” and that he raised the collective control to recover the landing. “At that point, I entered a dynamic rollover to the left in which I was unable to recover.” The helicopter came to rest on its side with substantial damage to the cabin and the tailboom.
The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA357 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Leghighton, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N45CA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2012
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.