Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and the maintenance crew's failure to remove the tie down.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter was operating from the deck of a fishing vessel. When the helicopter is not in use, it is secured to the deck by four straps secured to the skids of the helicopter.
The pilot of the helicopter reported that he entered the helicopter for takeoff while the mechanic removed the tie downs from the helicopter. The pilot reported that when he tried to takeoff, one of the tie downs was still attached to the helicopter and the helicopter rolled to the right and impacted the helipad. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor, mast, and tail boom.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 20, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Christmas Island, KI
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N1060C
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1971
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.