N666SL

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 IIS/N: 11941

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA11CA081
Location
Pahokee, FL
Event ID
20101208X00511
Coordinates
26.784444, -80.689445
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 failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N666SL
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Serial Number
11941
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
R44 IIR44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

The pilot stated that he completed the before takeoff checks and got the helicopter "light on the skids" before lifting off from the refueling pad. A slight yaw to the left became a rapid spin to the left that could not be corrected with right-pedal input. The pilot closed the throttle, lowered collective, and closed the mixture control to arrest the spin. On the fourth rotation, the tail struck a pole-mounted fire extinguisher, and the helicopter came to rest upright. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter, and stated that his heavy coat and boots worn to combat the unseasonably cold weather may have interfered with the flight controls.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA081