ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

McMinnville, OR — September 20, 2012

Event Information

DateSeptember 20, 2012
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR12CA431
Event ID20120920X91358
LocationMcMinnville, OR
CountryUSA
Coordinates45.19444, -123.13611
AirportMcMinnville Municipal Airport
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
ModelR44 II
CategoryHELI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
None0
Total Injured3

Event Location

Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that after taking two other passengers on an hour-long sightseeing flight he made an approach and landing to the helipad. He was not satisfied with the landing and he lifted off the helipad to reposition and re land the helicopter. Once airborne the helicopter started spinning to the right, rising to about 50 feet, and pitching up. He rotated the throttle off, lowered the collective, and as the helicopter approached the ground, he pulled up on the collective. The low rotor rpm horn was sounding as they descended. The helicopter impacted the ground in a 30-degree left angle of bank, collapsing the left skid, and 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 when attempting to reposition the helicopter, precipitating the loss of control. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter and found no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

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.

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