ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Tulsa, OK — 2013-02-06

Probable cause

The line technician’s failure to remove the refueling mat from the helicopter fuselage following servicing, which resulted in the mat striking the tail rotor in flight, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.

NTSB narrative

After fuel servicing, the line technician did not remove the rubber fueling mat from the fuselage. The pilot did not observe the mat on the fuselage before taking off, most likely due to his inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter. While climbing through 150 feet above ground level, the fueling mat departed the fuselage and impacted the tail rotor, which resulted in the fracture of both tail rotor blades and a loss of tail rotor control. The pilot executed an autorotation landing and landed without further incident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Mechanical failure

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided contact with the fueling mat during takeoff.

NTSB coding

• Aircraft servicing event · Prior to flight
• Preflight Inspection

Evidence available

• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Statement of refuelersinterview
• FAA description of ramp areaother
• Lab examination of tail rotor blades and refueling matother

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