Summary
On July 16, 2019, a Robinson R44 (N124LA) was involved in an accident near Council Bluff, IA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's improper cyclic input during liftoff from a landing deck, which resulted in the right skid hooking onto an opening on the landing deck and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
The helicopter pilot reported that, while lifting off from a landing deck on top of an industrial truck, the right rear skid hooked into an opening on the deck. The helicopter dynamically rolled right and impacted the ground.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main and tail rotor systems, fuselage, and empennage.
The helicopter pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA428. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N124LA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper cyclic input during liftoff from a landing deck, which resulted in the right skid hooking onto an opening on the landing deck and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, while lifting off from a landing deck on top of an industrial truck, the right rear skid hooked into an opening on the deck. The helicopter dynamically rolled right and impacted the ground.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main and tail rotor systems, fuselage, and empennage.
The helicopter 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# GAA19CA428