NTSB Factual Report

On August 8, 2001, about 0920 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer 300C, N1281R, was substantially damaged while landing at the Michael Airport (1G6), Cicero, New York. The certificated private pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he was receiving instruction from the CFI. The flight departed from the Syracuse International Airport, Syracuse, New York, and proceeded to 1G6, where a normal approach and landing was conducted. After landing, the pilot took off from the runway, and re-entered the traffic pattern for a second approach. The second approach to the runway was "normal," and the helicopter was flared and leveled about 3 feet above the ground, with no forward airspeed. The helicopter then began to turn to the left. The CFI took the controls and attempted to correct the situation; however, the helicopter touched down and rolled over.

According to the CFI, the helicopter was in a 3-foot hover, with the engine manifold pressure indicating 17 inches, and the rotor in the green arc. He then observed that the rotor and engine rpm began to decrease, and the helicopter was turning to the left. The CFI took the controls from the pilot, lowered the collective, and "rolled on the throttle." The helicopter rotated 360 degrees, and the left landing skid struck the ground, before the helicopter rolled over onto its left side.

The helicopter came to rest at the edge of the runway, with the left side of the fuselage remaining on grass.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a representative of Schweizer Aircraft Corporation examined the helicopter and it's powerplant after the accident. According to a report prepared by the representative of the Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, no pre-impact failures were noted. When the landing skids were examined, the right skid was separated from the struts, and it's fasteners were sheared. Dirt was observed packed into the heal of the skid. The middle and aft skid shoes were deformed and twisted clockwise on the skid. The damage was consistent of skid to ground contact while moving in a right lateral direction with significant impact force.

The pilot reported that the accident flight was the first flight in make and model helicopter. He also reported his total flight experience in helicopters was 130 hours.

The winds reported at an airport located about 5 miles north of 1G6, about the time of the accident, were from 260 degrees at 9 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while hovering, and the CFI's delayed remedial action.