Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near McMinnville, OR — 2012-09-20

Final reportWPR12CA431
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Date
2012-09-20
Location
McMinnville, OR, USA
Airport
KMMV
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N74744
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that after taking two passengers on a sightseeing flight he made an approach and landing to the helipad. However, he was not satisfied with the landing and he lifted the helicopter off the helipad, intending to reposition and re-land the helicopter. After the helicopter became airborne again, it started spinning to the right and pitched up, rising to about 50 feet. The pilot reduced the throttle setting, lowered the collective, and descended. As the helicopter approached the ground, the pilot pulled up again on the collective. The low rotor rpm horn was sounding as they descended. The helicopter impacted the ground in a 30-degree left bank angle, which collapsed the left skid, and the helicopter rolled over on its left side. All occupants egressed through the right cabin door. The pilot said that he may have pulled up too aggressively during his attempt to reposition the helicopter, resulting in the loss of control. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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