Summary
On August 26, 2011, a Robinson Helicopter R44 (N99FJ) was involved in an incident near Batesville, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that failed to ensure all tie-down clamps were removed prior to takeoff, which resulted in the helicopter’s dynamic rollover.
According to the pilot, the helicopter was positioned on a trailer with clamps and blade holders. The pilot added that during the preflight inspection, he forgot to remove the clamp, which held the left skid to the trailer. During takeoff, the tie-down clamp did not give way and the helicopter encountered dynamic rollover. The helicopter rolled to the left and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed structural damage to the helicopter.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA627. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N99FJ.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that failed to ensure all tie-down clamps were removed prior to takeoff, which resulted in the helicopter’s dynamic rollover.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, the helicopter was positioned on a trailer with clamps and blade holders. The pilot added that during the preflight inspection, he forgot to remove the clamp, which held the left skid to the trailer. During takeoff, the tie-down clamp did not give way and the helicopter encountered dynamic rollover. The helicopter rolled to the left and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed structural damage to the helicopter.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA627