Summary
On December 18, 2018, a Robinson R44 (N7535S) was involved in an incident near Strykersville, NY. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The structural failure of the home-built landing platform during landing, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over.
The pilot reported that, during landing on a home-built landing platform (dolly), the helicopter landed normally and was stable. He reduced engine power and began to wait the prescribed engine cool down period before shutdown. About "60 seconds prior to complete shutdown", the platform (dolly) collapsed, and the helicopter rolled aft and to the right. The helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Postaccident examination of the platform revealed that the home-built landing platform had a structural failure and collapsed.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA103. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7535S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The structural failure of the home-built landing platform during landing, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing on a home-built landing platform (dolly), the helicopter landed normally and was stable. He reduced engine power and began to wait the prescribed engine cool down period before shutdown. About "60 seconds prior to complete shutdown", the platform (dolly) collapsed, and the helicopter rolled aft and to the right. The helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Postaccident examination of the platform revealed that the home-built landing platform had a structural failure and collapsed.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter 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# GAA19CA103