Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while on the ground when his attention was diverted, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the helicopter reported that, during a night solo training flight, the helicopter was on the ground with the throttle rolled on and full collective friction applied when he used a flashlight to view the Hobbs meter. Unbeknownst to him, the collective crept up, the helicopter rolled to the right and dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer, and the main rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal flight operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA146 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Robinson Helicopter Company R22
- N-number
- N19VH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.