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NTSB Report
September 18, 2012 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N957R
Slaton, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Slaton, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail Number
N957R
Operator
Gb Aerial Applications
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA643
After a local flight, the pilot positioned the helicopter onto its platform trailer. The helicopter’s left skid touched down on the metal surface, and the pilot then lowered the right skid to the platform. The helicopter started to slip off the platform, so the pilot raised the collective to correct the problem. However, the helicopter fell to the left, the main rotor impacted the ground, and the tail boom was severed. The helicopter came to rest on the skids; the fuel tank was compromised and a post-crash fire consumed a majority of the helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s misalignment of the helicopter during landing, which resulted in the helicopter’s fall from a raised platform.
Full Narrative
After a local flight, the pilot positioned the helicopter onto its platform trailer. The helicopter’s left skid touched down on the metal surface and the pilot then lowered the right skid to the platform. The helicopter started to slip off the platform, so the pilot raised the collective to correct the problem. However, the helicopter fell to the left, the main rotor impacted the ground, and the tail boom was severed. The helicopter came to rest on the skids: the fuel tank was compromised and a post-crash fire consumed a majority of the helicopter.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CDT
Nearest AirportSlaton Municipal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN957R
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGb Aerial Applications
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC