Accident Robinson R22 Beta N2553X, Wednesday 29 March 1989

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Date:	Wednesday 29 March 1989
Time:	16:55 LT
Type:	Robinson R22 Beta
Owner/operator:	Pittman Helicopters, Inc.
Registration:	N2553X
MSN:	613
Total airframe hrs:	1896 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-J2A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Farmingdale, NY - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Training
Departure airport:	Farmingdale, NY (FRG
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
DURING A QUICK STOP DEMONSTRATION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT SKIDS HIT THE GROUND HARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL AND BROKE IT OFF. THE HELICOPTER THEN ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE AND CAME TO REST. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE 'APPARENTLY GOT TOO LOW' DURING THE DEMONSTRATION.

Probable Cause: PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONTROL THE ALTITUDE OF THE HELICOPTER WHILE DEMONSTRATING A QUICK STOP MANEUVER TO A STUDENT.

Accident investigation: