He Heard A “Metal Against Metal” Noise And The Helicopter “Jerked.”

Location: Winder, GA Accident Number: ERA21LA024
Date & Time: October 18, 2020, 10:59 Local Registration: N566BC
Aircraft: Robinson R22 Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under:

On October 18, 2020, about 1059 eastern daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N566BC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Winder, Georgia. The private pilot was seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he flew from Gwinnett County Airport (LZU), Lawrenceville, Georgia to Barrow County Airport (WDR), Winder, Georgia to practice takeoffs and landings. On the fifth circuit around the pattern, he performed a touch-and-go landing. After takeoff, as he was turning onto a left crosswind, he heard a “metal against metal” noise and the helicopter “jerked.” He began to look for a clearing to land the helicopter. The helicopter jerked again and he believed there was a loss of power. He was unable to reach a clear area and the helicopter descended through trees and collided with the ground.

The pilot was met by first responders and was taken to a local hospital. Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The fuselage, tail boom, main rotor, and tail rotor were damaged. The inspectors noted that the drive system v-belts were shredded and only a small portion of the belts were found.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov