DEN08CA016

Factual narrative

According to the student pilot, he was practicing approaches and landings on his private property. During the last approach, at approximately two to four feet above the ground, a gust of wind blew the helicopter to the right. The student pilot reported that the main rotor impacted the ground. Examination of the helicopter, conducted by an FAA Inspector revealed that the fuselage was crushed up, the rotor mast was bent forward, the front skid was separated from the fuselage, and all the rotor blades were destroyed. The student pilot reported no mechanical anomalies prior to the accident. Automated weather at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (GVL), Gainesville, Georgia, approximately 19 miles south of the accident site, reported winds 100 degrees at 9 knots. The student pilot estimated the winds were from 360 degrees at 12 knots. According to the student pilot, during the last approach, at approximately two to four feet above the ground, a gust of wind blew the helicopter to the right. He reported that the main rotor impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The student pilot reported no mechanical anomalies prior to the accident. Reported winds were 100 degrees at 9 knots. The student pilot estimated the winds were from 360 degrees at 12 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12