N915BW

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 IIS/N: 11428

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 23, 2011
NTSB Number
CEN11CA511
Location
Broomfield, CO
Event ID
20110726X45143
Coordinates
39.914722, -105.117500
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of control due to the pilot's diverted attention as a result of an open door.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Serial Number
11428
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2006
Model / ICAO
R44 IIR44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
R44 II

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PIGNERI PAUL A
Address
2601 E SPRING ST # 106
City
LONG BEACH
State / Zip Code
CA 90806-2218
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, the takeoff was normal and as the helicopter accelerated forward, the right door of the helicopter came open. The pilot, who was seated in the right seat, reacted by attempting to secure the door and subsequently lost control of the helicopter. The helicopter impacted the ramp. During the impact, the left skid separated, the right skid was crushed up and bent out, and the firewall and tailrotor were bent. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He did state that he had checked the security of the door with elbow pressure prior to departure but postulated that the securing pin was not fully engaged.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA511