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 pilot's incorrect control inputs (collective down, cyclic back, tight grip) caused the helicopter to descend faster than anticipated.
- The instructor struggled for control for several seconds, but the helicopter made a hard landing, rolled onto its left side, and immediately caught fire.
- Both occupants safely exited the burning helicopter, which was subsequently destroyed by the fire.
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