Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN21LA124

Lafayette, IN, USA

Aircraft #1

N552DR

HILLER UH12C

Analysis

The pilot stated that shortly after liftoff, the helicopter drifted left, and the left landing skid contacted the ground, which caused a dynamic rollover onto the helicopter’s left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, transmission structural support, and the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the pilot stated that he had not flown the helicopter during the previous 2 months, and that the accident might have been prevented had he flown the helicopter more frequently.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter shortly after liftoff into a hover, which resulted in a dynamic rollover when the left landing skid contacted the ground.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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