Pilot Reported That The Winds Were Gusty And He Estimated The Surface Winds To Be About 10 to 15 MPH

Location: Tuscumbia, Alabama Accident Number: ERA24LA083
Date & Time: December 16, 2023, 10:37 Local Registration: N60932
Aircraft: Rabe Richard Exec 162F Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The student pilot was practicing hovering without the supervision of a flight instructor. The pilot reported that the winds were gusty and he estimated the surface winds to be about 10 to 15 mph. The pilot stated he started to drift and attempted to make a turn; during the turn, the pilot realized he was too close to some objects, and he began to panic. The pilot lowered the collective and the back right skid contacted the ground, after which he pulled up on the collective and lost control of the helicopter. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled over into a ditch; the pilot evacuated and a post-accident fire ensued, resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter, which resulted in the right skid contacting the ground and a subsequent rollover.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov