Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during low-altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings at the airport. The student took off from taxiway Z and flew a right traffic pattern with the intent to land on taxiway A. As the helicopter was making a right crosswind turn over a golf course at 300 ft above ground level, a large bird flew out of the trees and struck the tail rotor. The flight instructor took over control of the helicopter as it began to yaw, and he subsequently initiated an autorotation to the golf course, and the helicopter landed hard.
The tailboom and fuselage were substantially damaged.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Bird remains identified as a turkey vulture were found on the golf course. The average weight of the species is 4 lbs.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19CA052 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 28, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hayward, California
- Nearest airport
- Hayward Executive (KHWD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R22
- N-number
- N8319T
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1994
- 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.