January 22, 2008, Ochopee, Fla., Robinson R44

The helicopter was substantially damaged at 1234 Eastern time when it collided with the ground while maneuvering. Visual conditions prevailed. The airline transport pilot and private-pilot passenger were fatally injured. A witness stated the helicopter had been practicing takeoffs and landings. He observed the helicopter at a hover; it then "went up very fast to an altitude of about 200 feet" and made a right turn in a nose-down attitude. The helicopter then rolled to the left and became inverted. The rotor blades stopped and the helicopter continued to roll left until it became right side up and descended in a nose-down, left turn colliding with the ground and catching fire, followed by an explosion.

Key Takeaways:

• A helicopter was substantially damaged, and both the airline transport pilot and private-pilot passenger were fatally injured, after colliding with the ground while maneuvering.
• The incident occurred during practice takeoffs and landings in visual conditions, with a witness observing the helicopter rapidly ascend to 200 feet.
• The helicopter then made a nose-down right turn, rolled left, became inverted, and stopped its rotor blades before descending nose-down in a left turn, colliding with the ground, catching fire, and exploding.

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