Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N7535G accident near Santa Ana, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that during takeoff, the helicopter rolled to the right, and he was unable to arrest the roll with cyclic input. The right skid and main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter spun 360° before it came to rest upright with the tail rotor assembly severed from the tailboom. Postaccident examination of the flight control system revealed flight control continuity with no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. In addition, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter at the time of the accident. Thus, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering during takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA167 for the full record.