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NTSB Report
January 17, 2016 · Tucker Mitchel C H 13 D · N9669
Zephyrhills, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 17, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Zephyrhills, FL
Aircraft
Tucker Mitchel C H 13 D (2005)
Tail Number
N9669
Operator
Great Cloud Design
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA16CA102
The pilot of the experimental helicopter was returning from a local flight and landed near his hanger to drop off his passenger. After his passenger disembarked, the pilot was preparing to take off and reposition the helicopter to another spot, but before he added power for liftoff, a strong gust of wind struck the left side of the helicopter, thrusting the cyclic control out of his hand and hard over to the right. This caused the helicopter to lift up and roll onto its right side, causing substantial damage to the blades, engine mount, fuselage and tail boom. The pilot stated, it happened very quickly and there was no chance to recover. Post-accident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions which would have precluded normal operation. The wind at the time of the accident was from 240 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 17.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on ground standing with the engine running during high crosswind conditions which resulted in a static rollover and collision with the ground.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the experimental helicopter was returning from a local flight and landed near his hanger to drop off his passenger. After his passenger disembarked, the pilot was preparing to take off and reposition the helicopter to another spot, but before he added power for liftoff, a strong gust of wind struck the left side of the helicopter, thrusting the cyclic control out of his hand and hard over to the right. This caused the helicopter to lift up and roll onto its right side, causing substantial damage to the blades, engine mount, fuselage and tail boom. The pilot stated, it happened very quickly and there was no chance to recover. Post-accident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions which would have precluded normal operation. The wind at the time of the accident were from 240 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 17.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:30 EST
Nearest AirportZephyrhills Muni (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftTucker Mitchel C H 13 D
Tail NumberN9669
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGreat Cloud Design
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAma/Expr · UNKNOWN ENG · Reciprocating
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 13 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC