Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain yaw and pitch control while repositioning the helicopter, which resulted in dynamic rollover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after landing the helicopter on the landing platform, he decided to reposition it on the platform. He said that he increased the collective and that it "felt as if the nose was turning or yawing to the right." To correct the right yaw, he applied left pedal, but the helicopter continued moving right. The helicopter rolled to the right, the main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main and tail rotor drive systems. 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 GAA19CA519 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Diego, California
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie Field (SEE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N218GH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1981
- 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.