ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Knox City, TX — 2024-03-13

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a rollover and an impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

During takeoff in the helicopter, the pilot reduced collective control input. Once the skids began to lift off the ground, the pilot felt the helicopter spin to the left. The pilot applied corrective right pedal input and pulled up on the collective. Once the skids were off the ground, the helicopter spun harder to the left, and the pilot could not overcome the spin. The helicopter rolled onto its side, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom, fuselage, and main rotors. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• NTSB FORM 6120 PILOT OPERATOR REPORT CEN24LA135form
• MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD SUMMARY OF TELEPHONE CALL WITH PILOTother
• INVESTIGATION PHOTOGRAPHS CEN24LA135photos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 170B

  2026-07-10 · Hartwell, GA

• CASSUTT IIIM

  2026-07-05 · Odessa, TX

• CESSNA 172H

  2026-05-25 · Berryville, AR

• COMMANDER AIRCRAFT CO 114TC

  2026-05-23 · Woodruff, WI

• BELL 206-L4

  2026-05-23 · Cedar City, UT

• CESSNA 172S

  2026-05-18 · Harrison, NY