ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Salt Lake City, UT — 2010-07-16

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control while attempting to move the helicopter laterally without first lifting it fully off its landing platform.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just landed the helicopter on a flatbed trailer when it was determined that it needed to be moved laterally in order for its skids to be correctly attached to the trailer. Therefore the pilot applied enough collective to make the helicopter "light on the skids," and then he applied cyclic input meant to slide the helicopter laterally. When the helicopter did not slide sideways as the pilot desired, he continued to apply left cyclic input, whereupon the helicopter suddenly began to move in a manner that resulted in it starting to fall off the trailer. During the pilot's attempt to regain directional control by lifting the helicopter clear of the trailer, its main rotor blades came in contact with the truck that the trailer was attached to. Once the blades contacted the truck, the helicopter rotated about 180 degrees and impacted the tarmac beside the trailer. Soon after it impacted the tarmac, a fast-growing fire began. During the accident sequence, an individual who was helping with the loading process was struck by a main rotor blade.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have chosen not to attempt moving the helicopter on the trailer.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Other

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form