Loss of control Accident Robinson R44 N64JM, Monday 4 July 2011

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Date:	Monday 4 July 2011
Time:	15:30 LT
Type:	Robinson R44
Owner/operator:	Ocean Helicopter
Registration:	N64JM
MSN:	1020
Year of manufacture:	2001
Total airframe hrs:	1352 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-540-F1B5
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Lakewood, New Jersey - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Ferry/positioning
Departure airport:	Lakewood, NJ (N12)
Destination airport:	Belmar/Farmingdale-Monmouth Executive Airport, NJ (BLM/KBLM)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot stated that the helicopter was facing southeast and that the wind was from the southwest at 3 knots, resulting in a 90-degree right crosswind. As soon as the pilot lifted to a hover and began to move forward, the helicopter began to spin to the right. He applied full left pedal input, but the spin continued. He maneuvered the helicopter away from nearby aircraft and into a clear area where he executed a hovering autorotation. Upon touchdown, the skids spread, and the occupants exited the helicopter. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the tail rotor drive system components.

Probable Cause: The pilot's inadequate yaw control of the helicopter while hovering.

Accident investigation: