GAA19CA141

Factual narrative

According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was going to demonstrate a maneuver to his airplane rated student. The instructor reported that he air taxied the helicopter to the departure end of the runway. He then slowed the helicopter down and while turning and hover taxiing over the grass area between the taxiway and the runway, the toe of the right skid contacted the uneven ground. The helicopter pivoted around the toe and rolled onto its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor systems. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. According to the flight instructor in the skid-equipped helicopter, he was going to demonstrate a maneuver to his airplane-rated student. The instructor reported that he air taxied the helicopter to the departure end of the runway. He then slowed down the helicopter, and while turning and hover taxiing over the grassy area between the taxiway and the runway, the right skid's toe contacted the uneven ground. The helicopter pivoted around the toe and rolled onto its side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor systems. The instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Instructor/check pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Task monitoring/vigilance-Instructor/check pilot
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Sloped/uneven terrain-Contributed to outcome