Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to monitor the environment and to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, shortly after the helicopter took off from a riverbank, he felt a tug on the airframe, followed by a "big bang." The pilot was unable to maintain control of the helicopter as it began rotating to the right. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground, rolled over, and came to rest upright. A postaccident examination of the accident site revealed that the helicopter had struck four small cables that had been attached to a pulley system that was strung across the river. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14LA356 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 27, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gardnerville, Nevada
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
- N-number
- N4187W
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.