Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N666SL accident near Pahokee, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that before lifting off from the refueling pad, he maneuvered the helicopter where the skids were still on the ground, but lightly touching and not supporting its entire weight. The helicopter made a slight yaw to the left which accelerated into a rapid spin to the left that he could not correct with right pedal input. In an attempt to arrest the spin, the pilot closed the throttle, lowered the collective, and closed the mixture control. On the fourth rotation, the tailboom struck a pole-mounted fire extinguisher, and the helicopter came to rest upright. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter. He further stated that his heavy coat and boots worn to combat the unseasonably cold weather may have interfered with the flight controls.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA081 for the full record.