NTSB Factual Report

On July 30, 2005, approximately 1250 central daylight time, a single-engine Robinson R22 helicopter, N18VH, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the taxiway while hovering at New Braunfels Municipal Airport (BAZ), New Braunfels, Texas. The flight instructor and his student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the training flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local flight originated from New Braunfels Municipal Airport, New Braunfels, Texas, approximately 1245.

In a written statement, the 450-hour flight instructor stated that student pilot picked up the helicopter to a 4-foot hover into the wind. The instructor then looked behind and to the left to ensure that the taxiway was clear. At this point, the helicopter descended and caught the left skid on the pavement. The instructor stated before he "could lower collective or push cyclic to the right, the helicopter turned over on its left side."

The student pilot receiving instruction, who had accumulated 16-hours of instruction in the helicopter, reported a similar sequence of events and added that he, "moved laterally to the left, descended as we were moving and caught the left skid and rolled over."

An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed structural damage to the tail boom. The rotor blades struck the ground and were damaged, and the left skid was also damaged.

At 1251, the automated weather observing system at BAZ, reported wind from 080 at 06 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 91 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.12 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter and delayed remedial action by the flight instructor.