Helicopter rollover during takeoff attempt after off-airport landing

Casualties unknown • Damon, TX, US

A pilot attempted to take off from an off-airport location following a medical issue with an observer, resulting in a helicopter rollover when a wind gust caused the aircraft to tip.

What happened

The flight began with the pilot performing an off-airport landing because an onboard observer had become ill. Once the observer recovered, the pilot attempted to initiate a takeoff from the same location.

Positioning the helicopter into the wind, the pilot increased the collective. During this maneuver, the left skid lifted from the ground first. In response, the pilot applied what he believed was an appropriate correction by using more left cyclic. As the maneuver continued, the pilot felt the left skid continue to rise and perceived that the right skid had become hooked on the ground.

In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot applied full left cyclic deflection and lowered the collective. At that moment, a wind shift accompanied by a gust blew under the rotor system, pushing the aircraft over. The main rotor blades struck the ground, causing the helicopter to come to rest on its right side. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

A wind shift and subsequent gust of wind underneath the rotor system caused the helicopter to tip over during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-01-27 Schweizer 269C accident near Damon, TX?

A pilot attempted to take off from an off-airport location following a medical issue with an observer, resulting in a helicopter rollover when a wind gust caused the aircraft to tip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-01-27 involved a Schweizer 269C, registration N99DK, at Damon, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A wind shift and subsequent gust of wind underneath the rotor system caused the helicopter to tip over during takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010201X00383. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…