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December 31, 2024 · Robinson Helicopter R44 NO Series · N441HQ

Galveston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 31, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Galveston, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 NO Series (2002)
Tail Number
N441HQ
Operator
Galveston Helicopter Adventures
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA067

Due to recent precipitation in the area, the heliport, consisting of a flat grass, artificial turf and dirt field, was soft. The private heliport, that is equipped with a windsock, is located about 800 ft away from the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the soft ground conditions, the operator’s fuel truck was parked farther away from the helipad. The pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to reposition the helicopter from the current helipad to another helipad at the heliport, to be near the fuel truck to obtain fuel. At the time of the takeoff, the pilot reported the wind condition originating from about 340°, was 16 to 18 kts, with gusts of 25 to 26 kts. As the pilot initiated the takeoff from the artificial turf helipad with the helicopter oriented to the north, the pilot reported the wind “helped push” the helicopter slightly rearward. During the rearward movement, the right skid extension became embedded in the artificial turf, the helicopter entered a dynamic rollover sequence, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The pilot was able to egress from the front right seat via the fractured windshield. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, the tailcone, and the empennage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. According to the airframe manufacturer, there are no published wind limitations for starting and takeoff, however, in ground effect hover controllability has been substantiated in a 17 kt wind from any direction up to 9,600 ft density altitude. The operator did not have any published wind limitations for starting and takeoff, however the operator reported that the wind condition is typically 15 to 25 kts at the heliport. A review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 150/5390-2D Heliport Design did not find any published guidance on the usage of artificial turf at heliports, nor was any published guidance found in the FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-21B regarding artificial turf hazards with dynamic rollover.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence.

Full Narrative

Due to recent precipitation in the area, the heliport, consisting of a flat grass, artificial turf and dirt field, was soft. The private heliport, that is equipped with a windsock, is located about 800 ft away from the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the soft ground conditions, the operator’s fuel truck was parked farther away from the helipad. The pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to reposition the helicopter from the current helipad to another helipad at the heliport, to be near the fuel truck to obtain fuel. At the time of the takeoff, the pilot reported the wind condition originating from about 340°, was 16 to 18 kts, with gusts of 25 to 26 kts. As the pilot initiated the takeoff from the artificial turf helipad with the helicopter oriented to the north, the pilot reported the wind “helped push” the helicopter slightly rearward. During the rearward movement, the right skid extension became embedded in the artificial turf, the helicopter entered a dynamic rollover sequence, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The pilot was able to egress from the front right seat via the fractured windshield. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, the tailcone, and the empennage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. According to the airframe manufacturer, there are no published wind limitations for starting and takeoff, however, in ground effect hover controllability has been substantiated in a 17 kt wind from any direction up to 9,600 ft density altitude. The operator did not have any published wind limitations for starting and takeoff, however the operator reported that the wind condition is typically 15 to 25 kts at the heliport. A review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 150/5390-2D Heliport Design did not find any published guidance on the usage of artificial turf at heliports, nor was any published guidance found in the FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-21B regarding artificial turf hazards with dynamic rollover.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 CST
Nearest AirportPrivate Heliport (0nm N)
RunwayNA
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 NO Series
Tail NumberN441HQ
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGalveston Helicopter Adventures
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming Engines · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 46 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time11:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data