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NTSB Report
March 17, 2011 · Robinson R44 · N555FP
Petersburg, WV
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Petersburg, WV
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Tail Number
N555FP
Operator
Kevin C Rychlik
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA194
The pilot of the helicopter stated that he was preparing to lift off into a hover and then depart from the airport. As he raised the collective, the helicopter became light on the skids, and rolled to the right and then to the left. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and tail boom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter. He further reported 315 hours of total flight experience, which included 51 hours in helicopters, all in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot of the helicopter stated that he was preparing to lift off into a hover position in order to depart the airport. As he raised the collective, the helicopter became light on the skids, and rolled to the right and then to the left. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and tail boom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter. He further reported 315 hours of total flight experience, which included 51 hours in helicopters, all in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 EDT
Nearest AirportGrant County Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN555FP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKevin C Rychlik
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 37 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC