Robinson R44
Taunton, MA — April 2, 2019
Event Information
| Date | April 2, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA195 |
| Event ID | 20190402X34810 |
| Location | Taunton, MA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.87444, -71.01639 |
| Airport | Taunton Muni - King Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper decision to land with a gusting left quartering tailwind and his subsequent attempt to reposition the helicopter and take off, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, after landing in an empty parking spot, he realized that he was oriented with a tailwind. He decided to reposition the helicopter and shortly after liftoff, he felt a strong gust from the left, the helicopter's right skid impacted the ground and dynamically rolled over.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailcone, and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was 150° at 12 knots, gusting up to 19 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable and gusting. The helicopter was oriented to the northwest.
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.