Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate preflight of the helicopter by not having removed a tiedown strap before attempting takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 4, 1996, at 1300 central daylight time, a Hiller UH12E, N177HA, was destroyed during an attempted takeoff from a trailer by a commercially certificated pilot. The accident occurred one-half mile south of Big Lake, Minnesota. The pilot reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed Big Lake, Minnesota, at the time of the accident.
The pilot said that he forgotten to unlatch one of the helicopter's tiedowns on the trailer that was used to transport the helicopter. He said that upon lift off, the helicopter rolled forward and to the right impacting the truck.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI96LA151