Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter instructor reported that, during the approach to land, about 5 ft above the ground, the student pilot overcorrected and moved the cyclic "back hard and slightly right." The right rear skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled to the right. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
The student reported that he believed the skid strike and unusual attitude were caused by his inexperience.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, the fuselage, and the tailboom.
The flight instructor 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 GAA18CA450 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lantana, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Palm Beach County Park (LNA)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R44
- N-number
- N479AT
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.