Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Slaton, TX — 2012-09-18

Final reportCEN12CA643
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Date
2012-09-18
Location
Slaton, TX, USA
Airport
F49
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N957R
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s misalignment of the helicopter during landing, which resulted in the helicopter’s fall from a raised platform.

NTSB narrative

After a local flight, the pilot positioned the helicopter onto its platform trailer. The helicopter’s left skid touched down on the metal surface, and the pilot then lowered the right skid to the platform. The helicopter started to slip off the platform, so the pilot raised the collective to correct the problem. However, the helicopter fell to the left, the main rotor impacted the ground, and the tail boom was severed. The helicopter came to rest on the skids; the fuel tank was compromised and a post-crash fire consumed a majority of the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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