N74744

Substantial
Minor

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 IIS/N: 10900

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 20, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA431
Location
McMinnville, OR
Event ID
20120920X91358
Coordinates
45.194442, -123.136108
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
3
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a loss of control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N74744
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Serial Number
10900
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2005
Model / ICAO
R44 IIR44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HARRIS ROBERT G
Address
11225 YOUNGBERG HILL ROAD
Status
Deregistered
City
MCMINNVILLE
State / Zip Code
OR 97128
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that after taking two other passengers on an hour-long sightseeing flight he made an approach and landing to the helipad. He was not satisfied with the landing and he lifted off the helipad to reposition and re land the helicopter. Once airborne the helicopter started spinning to the right, rising to about 50 feet, and pitching up. He rotated the throttle off, lowered the collective, and as the helicopter approached the ground, he pulled up on the collective. The low rotor rpm horn was sounding as they descended. The helicopter impacted the ground in a 30-degree left angle of bank, collapsing the left skid, and rolled over on its left side. All occupants egressed through the right cabin door. The pilot said that he may have pulled up too aggressively when attempting to reposition the helicopter, precipitating the loss of control. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter and found no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA431