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NTSB Report
February 19, 2017 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N804DF
Spofford, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 19, 2017
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Spofford, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2006)
Tail Number
N804DF
Operator
Helicopter Tours of Texas
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA165
The pilot of the skid-equipped helicopter reported that, the night before the accident flight, he hover-taxied into a hangar because convective activity was approaching the airport and he did not have ground-handling equipment (wheels) to move the helicopter. The following morning, he attempted to hover-taxi out of the hangar for a positioning flight, but the main rotor blade struck the top of the hangar door when the helicopter was about three-quarters of the way out of the hangar. Subsequently, the helicopter spun and rolled over onto its left side. The main rotor and tailboom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to hover-taxi out of the hangar and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the hangar.
Full Narrative
The pilot of a skid-equipped helicopter reported that the night before the accident flight, he hover-taxied into a hangar because convective activity was approaching the airport and he did not have ground-handling equipment (wheels) to move the helicopter. The following morning, he attempted to hover-taxi out of the hangar for a positioning flight, but the main rotor blade struck the top of the hangar door when the helicopter was about ¾ of the way out of the hangar. Subsequently, the helicopter spun and rolled over onto its left side. The main rotor and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 CST
Nearest AirportFRONTIER (0nm ENE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN804DF
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Tours of Texas
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 14 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC