N162MC

Substantial
None

McCall Rotorway 162FS/N: 6493

Accident Details

Date
Monday, March 26, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI07CA094
Location
Malta, IL
Event ID
20070503X00511
Coordinates
41.933612, -88.705558
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper use of the rotorcraft flight controls resulting in a dynamic rollover during takeoff. A factor was the soft ground that the left skid encountered.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N162MC
Make
MCCALL
Serial Number
6493
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
Rotorway 162F

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
DOONAN STEPHEN J
Address
733 DEKALB AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
SYCAMORE
State / Zip Code
IL 60178-1704
Country
United States

Analysis

The helicopter sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when it dynamically rolled over on takeoff following a precautionary landing, in a cornfield, in response to a warning light. The pilot reported, in reference to the takeoff, that the "right skid rose off the ground but the left skid made no attempt to raise and the helicopter abruptly rolled over onto the left skid and continued over until the rotor blades contacted the ground. ... The left skid had sunk into the ground further than it appeared." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "I could have made a ... more [thorough] check of ground conditions before attempting a takeoff."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA094