Each Pilot Heard A Loud "Bang"
On September 6, 2020, about 0900 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R22 Mariner helicopter, N194HC, was involved in an accident at Page Field (FMY), Fort Myers, Florida. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Both pilots submitted written statements, and their versions of events were consistent throughout. The preflight and engine-start procedures were completed by the checklist with no anomalies noted. As the engine was accelerated to near its operating rpm, each pilot heard a loud "bang."