| Crash location | 36.124445°N, 86.678056°W |
| Nearest city | Nashville, TN
36.165890°N, 86.784443°W 6.6 miles away |
| Tail number | N3184T |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 22 Sep 2007 |
| Aircraft type | Robinson R44 II |
| Additional details: | None |
According to the student pilot, while preparing for his first solo flight in the Robinson R44 II, he began the sprag clutch check and "split the needles," and then released the throttle to proceed with the checklist. The governor then "kicked in", the rpm increased to 102 percent, and the helicopter began to spin on the pavement. The pilot-side skid snagged a crack on the pavement, collapsed, and the rotor and tail boom then struck the ground. The student pilot stated he never applied, unlocked, or released the collective. Examination of the flight controls by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any abnormalities.
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter.