Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Englewood, CO — 2014-07-11

Final reportCEN14CA360
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Date
2014-07-11
Location
Englewood, CO, USA
Airport
KAPA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N69MP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff resulting in low rotor rpm and impact of the fuel trailer during the running landing.

NTSB narrative

One witness reported seeing the helicopter transition to the west with "low power indications" and "multiple yaws." The helicopter settled to the ground and then struck a fuel trailer near the taxiway, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom. According to the pilot, he transitioned the helicopter to a hover and taxied adjacent to the taxiway. When he attempted a forward takeoff from the hover, the "low rotor rpm warning sounded, the helicopter lost lift," and he performed a "running landing." He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter during the flight. An examination of the helicopter confirmed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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