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Helicopter rolls over during timber spraying attempt due to unsecured skid (N2243W)

Pine Hill, AL, US

On September 9, 2000, a Bell 47G-3B-2 (registration N2243W) was involved in an aviation accident near Pine Hill, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove a tie-down strap from the helicopter skid prior to takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled rollover and collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter sustained substantial damage after rolling over on a trailer during an attempted takeoff for timber spraying operations, caused by a tie-down strap left secured.

What happened

The pilot was preparing the helicopter for timber spraying duties when the incident occurred. The aircraft was positioned on a transport trailer prior to the flight attempt. As the pilot initiated the takeoff sequence from the trailer, the helicopter began to roll to the right side.

This uncontrolled movement resulted in the aircraft colliding with the ground while still on the trailer. The pilot later explained that he had failed to remove one of the tie-down straps securing the skid before attempting to lift off. This oversight prevented the helicopter from achieving a stable vertical ascent, leading directly to the rollover and subsequent impact.

The investigation

Post-incident examination confirmed substantial damage to the airframe resulting from the collision with the ground during the rollover event. The mechanical integrity of the aircraft was compromised by the impact forces generated when the unsecured skid dragged against the trailer surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to remove a tie-down strap from the helicopter skid prior to takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled rollover and collision with the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 2000 Bell 47G-3B-2 accident near Pine Hill, AL?

A helicopter sustained substantial damage after rolling over on a trailer during an attempted takeoff for timber spraying operations, caused by a tie-down strap left secured.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 2000 involved a Bell 47G-3B-2, registration N2243W, at Pine Hill, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to remove a tie-down strap from the helicopter skid prior to takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled rollover and collision with the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21904. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.