Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B near Atlanta, AR — 2014-10-03

Final reportCEN15CA007
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Date
2014-10-03
Location
Atlanta, AR, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B
Registration
N4426M
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection when he did not remove a tie-down strap prior to takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter had been transported to a remote area with the skid landing gear secured to the helicopter transport trailer with four heavy duty ratchet type tie-downs. After arrival at the work location the pilot and several ground crewmembers prepared the helicopter for an agricultural application flight. The pilot reported that during his walk-around inspection prior to the flight he had overlooked the right rear tie-down, and he attempted to takeoff with the tie-down still attached to the helicopter. As power was applied the helicopter immediately rolled to the right and impacted terrain. Both main rotor blades were impact separated mid-span and the transmission and skid landing gear were partially separated. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, transmission, tail rotor, tail boom and fuselage. A postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. The characteristics displayed by the helicopter were indicative of it encountering a dynamic rollover.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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