Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to remove the left helicopter skid tie-down before takeoff, which resulted in dynamic roll-over.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, during takeoff from a trailer, the tie-down remained attached to the left skid and that the helicopter experienced a dynamic roll-over. The helicopter rolled off the trailer to the left and impacted the ground.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and firewall.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA130 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Armstrong, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22
- N-number
- N883KC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2008
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.