What happened
The pilot attempted to land a helicopter on a narrow flatbed trailer situated between two hangars. During the approach, the pilot encountered significant buffeting caused by wind funneling through the gap between the structures. On his third attempt to position the aircraft on the trailer, the right skid slipped off the edge. As the helicopter rolled to the side, the main rotor blades struck the trailer. The width of the trailer provided only a 2-inch clearance on each side of the skids, leaving minimal margin for error during the maneuver.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical constraints of the landing site and the pilot's account of the event. Examination revealed that the flatbed trailer was extremely narrow relative to the helicopter's skid width. The primary mechanical issue was the loss of lateral control due to the limited clearance, which prevented the pilot from correcting the roll before impact.
Findings
Contributing factors included the narrow landing surface and the turbulent wind conditions created by the hangars. The lack of sufficient clearance on the trailer made it nearly impossible to maintain alignment with the skids during the final phase of the landing. The pilot's decision to attempt a landing in such a confined space, combined with the environmental buffeting, led directly to the rollover and subsequent damage.
Safety message
Pilots should avoid attempting landings on surfaces that do not provide adequate clearance for the aircraft's landing gear. Environmental factors such as wind turbulence between structures can significantly affect control authority during critical phases of flight.