On February 11, 2002, a Robinson R-22A (registration N8557Z) operated by Payne Mcbride Cattle Company was involved in an aviation accident near Encino, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Contact between the helicopter's left main landing skid and a post on the transport trailer, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during lift-off from a transport trailer when its left main landing skid contacted a post, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest on its left side with rotor blade damage.
What happened
During an attempt to lift off from a transport trailer, the helicopter's left main landing skid made contact with a structural post on the trailer. This interaction triggered a dynamic rollover event. As the aircraft rolled, the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter ultimately came to rest on its left side.
The investigation
The sequence of events was determined by the physical evidence at the site. The initial contact between the left skid and the trailer post caused the loss of control that led to the rollover. Subsequent damage occurred when the rotor system impacted the ground surface during the roll.
Findings
Contact between the left main landing skid and a transport trailer post initiated the dynamic rollover.
Main rotor blades contacted the ground during the rollover sequence.
The helicopter rested on its left side after the incident.
Probable cause
Contact between the helicopter's left main landing skid and a post on the transport trailer, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.