Probable cause
The flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient altitude over uneven terrain during a hover taxi, which resulted in ground contact and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was going to demonstrate a maneuver to his airplane-rated student. The instructor reported that he air taxied the helicopter to the departure end of the runway. He then slowed down the helicopter, and while turning and hover taxiing over the grassy area between the taxiway and the runway, the right skid's toe contacted the uneven ground. The helicopter pivoted around the toe and rolled onto its side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor systems.
The instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA141 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 19, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clearwater, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Clearwater Air Park (CLW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R22
- N-number
- N512GS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.