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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 3, 2014 · Bell 206B · N4426M

Atlanta, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 3, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Atlanta, AR
Aircraft
Bell 206B (1975)
Tail Number
N4426M
Operator
Terre Haute Helicopter
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15CA007

The helicopter had been transported to a remote area with the skid landing gear secured to the helicopter transport trailer with four heavy duty ratchet type tie-downs. After arrival at the work location the pilot and several ground crewmembers prepared the helicopter for an agricultural application flight. The pilot reported that during his walk-around inspection prior to the flight he had overlooked the right rear tie-down, and he attempted to takeoff with the tie-down still attached to the helicopter. As power was applied the helicopter immediately rolled to the right and impacted terrain. Both main rotor blades were impact separated mid-span and the transmission and skid landing gear were partially separated. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, transmission, tail rotor, tail boom and fuselage. A postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. The characteristics displayed by the helicopter were indicative of it encountering a dynamic rollover.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection when he did not remove a tie-down strap prior to takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The helicopter had been transported to a remote area with the skid landing gear secured to the helicopter transport trailer with four heavy duty ratchet type tie-downs. After arrival at the work location the pilot and several ground crewmembers prepared the helicopter for an agricultural application flight. The pilot reported that during his walk-around inspection prior to the flight he had overlooked the right rear tie-down, and he attempted to takeoff with the tie-down still attached to the helicopter. As power was applied the helicopter immediately rolled to the right and impacted terrain. Both main rotor blades were impact separated mid-span and the transmission and skid landing gear were partially separated. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, transmission, tail rotor, tail boom and fuselage. A postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN4426M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTerre Haute Helicopter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 SER · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data