Pilot Debrief

Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II near Red Oak, IA — 2012-07-14

Final reportCEN12LA443
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Date
2012-07-14
Location
Red Oak, IA, USA
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
Registration
N556MM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground-support vehicle during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was unable to activate the motorized spray system after arriving at the field to be sprayed. He returned to the departure location in order to troubleshoot the inoperative spray system. As he maneuvered the helicopter to land next to a ground-support vehicle, the main rotor system impacted a landing platform installed on top of the vehicle. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter. The wind near the time of the accident was reported as calm. In the absence of any mechanical malfunctions or adverse atmospheric conditions, the pilot should have been able to maintain proper distance from the known obstacle.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing area away from the ground-support vehicle.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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