Robinson Helicopter R44 N441HQ accident near Galveston, Texas

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.

NTSB analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA067 for the full record.