Probable cause
The structural failure of the home-built landing platform during landing, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing on a home-built landing platform, the helicopter landed normally and was stable. He reduced engine power and began to wait the prescribed engine cool-down period before shutdown. About 1 minute before the engine completely shut down, the platform collapsed, and the helicopter rolled aft and to the right and then came to rest on its right side.
Postaccident examination of the platform revealed that it had a structural failure and had collapsed.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 18, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Strykersville, New York
- Nearest airport
- King Airfield Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R44
- N-number
- N7535S
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.