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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 2, 2019 · Robinson R44 II · N344R

Taunton, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Taunton, MA
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N344R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA195

The pilot reported that, after landing the helicopter in an empty parking spot, he realized that the helicopter was oriented with a tailwind. He decided to reposition the helicopter, and shortly after liftoff, he felt a strong wind gust from the left. The helicopter's right skid then impacted the ground, and the helicopter dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailcone, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to land with a gusting left quartering tailwind and his subsequent attempt to reposition the helicopter and take off, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that, after landing in an empty parking spot, he realized that he was oriented with a tailwind. He decided to reposition the helicopter and shortly after liftoff, he felt a strong gust from the left, the helicopter's right skid impacted the ground and dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailcone, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was 150° at 12 knots, gusting up to 19 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable and gusting. The helicopter was oriented to the northwest.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:43 EDT
Nearest AirportTaunton Muni - King Field (0nm WSW)
Runway30
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN344R
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 12 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 21 C
Altimeter30.42 inHg
Observation Time16:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data