Probable cause
The pilot’s diverted attention to his phone while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude over a field, he looked down at his phone in the cockpit, and by the time he looked back outside, the helicopter's left skid had struck the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled onto its left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and rotor systems.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA113 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 28, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Homstead, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22
- N-number
- N127AG
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1988
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.