Student Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Helicopter Control Which Resulted In Impact

Location: Cahokia Heights, Illinois Accident Number: CEN24LA005
Date & Time: October 2, 2023, 15:57 Local Registration: N354MH
Aircraft: Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The operator reported that the student pilot had completed three solo touch and go landings and was returning to land on the ramp. While approaching the parking area, he was distracted by two aircraft on the ramp, and the helicopter began an uncontrolled yaw. The student pilot lowered the collective and arrested the yaw, but as the helicopter entered ground effect, he raised the collective, and the uncontrolled yaw resumed. The helicopter impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor, and tail rotor. The operator 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 student pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control which resulted in impact with the ground.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov