Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to take off from sloping terrain.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot initially landed on his private property, but then decided he wanted to move to an area that was flatter. He described that when he raised the collective pitch control the helicopter “moved back.” Before he was able to recover, the main rotor blades contacted the upsloping terrain, resulting in a rollover and substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA236 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 2, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gilbertsville, Kentucky
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R44
- N-number
- N220SW
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2016
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.