Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R44 near Gilbertsville, KY — 2024-06-02

Final reportERA24LA236
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Date
2024-06-02
Location
Gilbertsville, KY, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON R44
Registration
N220SW
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to take off from sloping terrain.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot initially landed on his private property, but then decided he wanted to move to an area that was flatter. He described that when he raised the collective pitch control the helicopter “moved back.” Before he was able to recover, the main rotor blades contacted the upsloping terrain, resulting in a rollover and substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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