Robinson R22 BETA, N127AG, AgroFlite Corp: Accident occurred January 28, 2018 in Homestead, Miami-Dade County, Florida

Additional Participating Entity
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Miramar,  Florida

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N127AG

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Location: Homestead, FL
Accident Number: GAA18CA113
Date & Time: 01/28/2018, 1350 EST
Registration: N127AG
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Other Work Use 

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude over a field, he looked down at his phone in the cockpit, and by the time he looked back outside, the left skid of the helicopter had struck the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled onto its left side.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and rotor systems.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's diverted attention to his phone while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in collision with terrain. 

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Attention - Pilot (Cause)
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Task monitoring/vigilance - Pilot

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Miscellaneous/other
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Landing
Roll over

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 28, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/11/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/22/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 781 hours (Total, all aircraft), 184 hours (Total, this make and model), 574 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 57 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 55 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N127AG
Model/Series: R22 Beta
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 0814
Landing Gear Type: Skid;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/19/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1370 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3058.3 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: O-320-B2C
Registered Owner: AGROFLITE CORP
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHST, 7 ft msl
Observation Time: 1856 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 310°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 22°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots/ 21 knots, 120°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Homestead, FL
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Homestead, FL
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1325 EST
Type of Airspace: Class D

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 25.476111, -80.373889 (est)