# NTSB NYC07CA236: Robinson R44 II, N3184T, Nashville, TN, September 22, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 22, 2007, 17:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Nashville, TN
- Coordinates: 36.124443, -86.678054
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1244&lon=-86.6781&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66740
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC07CA236
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66740/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07CA236

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, standing - engine(s) operating
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,skid assembly - snagged

## Analysis

While student pilot was preparing for his first solo flight in the Robinson R44 II, he began the sprag clutch check and "split the needles," 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.

## Factual narrative

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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3184T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3184T), registered now, S/N 11562, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R44 II
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44 II](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44-ii) (registry code 7640122) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-ae1a5) (registry code 41899, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 11562
- Airframe hours: 49
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Fly-N-Dollar Helicopter Service LLC
- Registered owner: Trevor B. Noble
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: BNA, Nashville, TN
- Destination: BNA
- Airport: BNA, Nashville International Airpor

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; injuries: none; student; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; flight hours: 39 total, 39 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.05 inHg
- Observed at: BNA, 1 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20070922830519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070922830519A), Sep 22, 2007: Robsin R44RAVENII, Nashville, TN, Substantial damage. (-23) The student pilot was preparing for first solo flight. During the ground run-up the helicopter rotated on the pavement. Marks on the pavement indicated…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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