ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Orlando, FL — 2014-02-10

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection in which he failed to remove the tail rotor covers, which resulted in the failure of the tail rotor drive shaft during engine start.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while conducting a preflight inspection, he overlooked the removal of the tail rotor covers. He started the helicopter and shortly thereafter he heard a "snap", and the helicopter began to "shake". The helicopter was immediately shutdown and a visual inspection revealed substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot reported no other preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Miscellaneous/other · Standing-engine(s) start-up
• Preflight Inspection

Evidence available

• Photos
• 7 docket documents

Docket documents7

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Statement From Pilotinterview
• Witness Statementinterview
• Photo 1. Tail Rotor Cover (Photo Courtesy of Air Force Fun Inc.)photos
• Photo 2. Severed Tail Rotor Drive Shaft (Photo Courtesy of Air Force Fun Inc.)photos
• Photo 3. Severed Tail Rotor Drive Shaft End 1 (Photo Courtesy of Air Force Fun Inc.)photos
• Photo 4. Severed Tail Rotor Drive Shaft End 2 (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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