ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Glenwood Springs, CO — March 1, 2011
Event Information
| Date | March 1, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA213 |
| Event ID | 20110306X84105 |
| Location | Glenwood Springs, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.50611, -107.30889 |
| Airport | Glenwood Springs Municipal |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY |
| Model | R44 II |
| 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 improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a dynamic rollover when the left skid contacted the ground.
Full Narrative
The pilot refueled his helicopter and was performing a takeoff from an area near the airport’s fuel pumps. As the helicopter began to lift, the pilot allowed the helicopter’s tail to remain in a low attitude. As a result, the aft end of the left skid contacted the ground and the helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover. The helicopter came to rest on its left side and the pilot was able to exit unassisted. The helicopter’s fuselage and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.