Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Glenwood Springs, CO — 2011-03-01

Final reportCEN11CA213
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Date
2011-03-01
Location
Glenwood Springs, CO, USA
Airport
GWS
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N74816
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a dynamic rollover when the left skid contacted the ground.

NTSB narrative

The pilot refueled his helicopter and was performing a takeoff from an area near the airport’s fuel pumps. As the helicopter began to lift, the pilot allowed the helicopter’s tail to remain in a low attitude. As a result, the aft end of the left skid contacted the ground and the helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover. The helicopter came to rest on its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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