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September 20, 2012 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N74744

Mcminnville, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2012
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Mcminnville, OR
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail Number
N74744
Operator
Harris Robert G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA431

The pilot stated that after taking two passengers on a sightseeing flight he made an approach and landing to the helipad. However, he was not satisfied with the landing and he lifted the helicopter off the helipad, intending to reposition and re-land the helicopter. After the helicopter became airborne again, it started spinning to the right and pitched up, rising to about 50 feet. The pilot reduced the throttle setting, lowered the collective, and descended. As the helicopter approached the ground, the pilot pulled up again on the collective. The low rotor rpm horn was sounding as they descended. The helicopter impacted the ground in a 30-degree left bank angle, which collapsed the left skid, and the helicopter rolled over on its left side. All occupants egressed through the right cabin door. The pilot said that he may have pulled up too aggressively during his attempt to reposition the helicopter, resulting in the loss of control. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that after taking two other passengers on an hour-long sightseeing flight he made an approach and landing to the helipad. He was not satisfied with the landing and he lifted off the helipad to reposition and re land the helicopter. Once airborne the helicopter started spinning to the right, rising to about 50 feet, and pitching up. He rotated the throttle off, lowered the collective, and as the helicopter approached the ground, he pulled up on the collective. The low rotor rpm horn was sounding as they descended. The helicopter impacted the ground in a 30-degree left angle of bank, collapsing the left skid, and rolled over on its left side. All occupants egressed through the right cabin door. The pilot said that he may have pulled up too aggressively when attempting to reposition the helicopter, precipitating the loss of control. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter and found no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 PDT
Nearest AirportMcminnville Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN74744
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarris Robert G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 52
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data