Robinson R44 II N74744

Summary

On 20 September 2012 at about 18:45 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N74744, operated by Harris Robert G, was involved in an accident near McMinnville, Oregon, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 September 2012 at 18:45

Classification

Accident

Location

McMinnville, Oregon, United States

Nearest airport

McMinnville Municipal Airport (KMMV)

Coordinates

45.1944, -123.1361

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N74744

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Harris Robert G

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

McMinnville → McMinnville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR12CA431

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a loss of control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that after taking two passengers on a sightseeing flight he made an approach and landing to the helipad. However, he was not satisfied with the landing and he lifted the helicopter off the helipad, intending to reposition and re-land the helicopter. After the helicopter became airborne again, it started spinning to the right and pitched up, rising to about 50 feet. The pilot reduced the throttle setting, lowered the collective, and descended. As the helicopter approached the ground, the pilot pulled up again on the collective. The low rotor rpm horn was sounding as they descended. The helicopter impacted the ground in a 30-degree left bank angle, which collapsed the left skid, and the helicopter rolled over on its left side. All occupants egressed through the right cabin door. The pilot said that he may have pulled up too aggressively during his attempt to reposition the helicopter, resulting in the loss of control. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.