N701CT

Substantial
Minor

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44S/N: 1161

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, March 21, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA15CA013
Location
Lake Hamilton, AR
Event ID
20150323X20114
Coordinates
34.453056, -93.038330
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's overcorrection to the landing pad shifting, which resulted in the helicopter impacting trees. A factor contributing to the accident was the collapse of the landing pad.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N701CT
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
1161
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2002
Model / ICAO
R44R44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HEIEN BRITT
Address
2004 FAIRWAY ST
Status
Deregistered
City
STUTTGART
State / Zip Code
AR 72160-6927
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated he made an approach and landing to the landing pad. Upon landing, the pilot began reducing power, and reported that the helicopter was stabile for about 3 seconds and then part of the landing pad gave out. The pilot stated that the elevated landing pad has a clay foundation with a shell top and that recent rain may have compromised the landing pad stability. The helicopter rocked backwards and the tail skid struck the ground. The helicopter began rotating to the left and the pilot overcorrected to the right resulting in the helicopter colliding with trees. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom. After multiple requests, the pilot did not turn in the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report as requested.

The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA013