Robinson R44 N477SH accident near Bartlett, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor clearance from terrain (embankment) during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The private (airplane) rated pilot, who did not hold a rotorcraft rating, attempted to depart in a single-engine helicopter with one passenger on-board. The pilot reported that as he started his takeoff, "the helicopter came off the ground approximately 2 feet, but I felt it was in a malfunction mode, rotated 30 degrees to the left, and set it back down on both skids. While in the malfunction mode, I felt a jar to my left pedal and/or side." The pilot also stated that he thought the main rotor blade had hit the tail cone and disintegrated. A post-crash fire erupted. The passenger initially was slow in exiting the aircraft, and was pulled from the fire by the pilot once he had exited the aircraft. An inspection of the helicopter and the accident site indicated that during the takeoff sequence the helicopter's tail skid/rotor hit an embankment, located just behind the helicopter's landing area. The on-scene examination also revealed that helicopter's main rotor blades displayed "coning" effect; the tail rotor drive shaft appeared to be intact prior to the fire, and the tail rotor blades displayed damage that was consistent with ground strikes. Records on the helicopter revealed that the pilot/owner had purchased the helicopter 7 days prior to the accident date. Additionally, the helicopter had been disassembled for shipment, while being offered for sale. The condition of the helicopter at the time of sale was listed as, "not airworthy", and was sold, "as is"; however, the condition at the time of the flight was not known.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08LA122 for the full record.