Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Pahokee, FL — 2010-12-08

Final reportERA11CA081
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Date
2010-12-08
Location
Pahokee, FL, USA
Airport
PHK
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N666SL
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that before lifting off from the refueling pad, he maneuvered the helicopter where the skids were still on the ground, but lightly touching and not supporting its entire weight. The helicopter made a slight yaw to the left which accelerated into a rapid spin to the left that he could not correct with right pedal input. In an attempt to arrest the spin, the pilot closed the throttle, lowered the collective, and closed the mixture control. On the fourth rotation, the tailboom struck a pole-mounted fire extinguisher, and the helicopter came to rest upright. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter. He further stated that his heavy coat and boots worn to combat the unseasonably cold weather may have interfered with the flight controls.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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