The flight instructor was having the student practice landing approaches. During a turn, the instructor noted that the helicopter was descending faster than anticipated, and that “the collective was too far down, the cyclic was too far back, and [the student] had a tight hold on both controls.” The instructor struggled with the student for control of the helicopter for a period of 3 to 4 seconds. The helicopter landed hard, rolled onto its left side, and instantly caught on fire. Both occupants exited the right door. The helicopter was destroyed by fire.
June 14, 2008, Missoula, Mon., Robinson R44 II
The flight instructor was having the student practice landing approaches. During a turn, the instructor noted that the helicopter was descending faster than anticipated, and that "the collective was too far down, the cyclic was too far back, and [the student] had a tight hold on both controls." The instructor struggled with the student for control of the helicopter for a period of 3 to 4 seconds. The helicopter landed hard, rolled onto its left side, and instantly caught on fire. Both occupants exited the right door. The helicopter was destroyed by fire.
Key Takeaways:
- During a landing approach, a student's tight grip and incorrect control inputs caused an uncontrolled rapid descent, despite the instructor's brief struggle for control.
- The helicopter subsequently made a hard landing, rolled onto its left side, and instantly caught fire.
- Both occupants safely exited the aircraft, which was completely destroyed by the ensuing fire.
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