Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N69MP accident near Englewood, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff resulting in low rotor rpm and impact of the fuel trailer during the running landing.

NTSB analysis

One witness reported seeing the helicopter transition to the west with "low power indications" and "multiple yaws." The helicopter settled to the ground and then struck a fuel trailer near the taxiway, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom. According to the pilot, he transitioned the helicopter to a hover and taxied adjacent to the taxiway. When he attempted a forward takeoff from the hover, the "low rotor rpm warning sounded, the helicopter lost lift," and he performed a "running landing." He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter during the flight. An examination of the helicopter confirmed that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the helicopter.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA360 for the full record.