ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44
Easton, PA — July 4, 2017
Event Information
| Date | July 4, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA383 |
| Event ID | 20170704X94938 |
| Location | Easton, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.74222, -75.24306 |
| Airport | BRADEN AIRPARK |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s distraction during liftoff due to the tail rotor chip warning light illuminating, which resulted in the helicopter drifting right, the skid touching down, and a dynamic roll-over.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that during lift off, the tail rotor chip warning light illuminated, "and distracted me for a moment." The helicopter drifted to the right, the right skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over on to its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft, the horizontal stabilizer and the main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.