On February 21, 2004, a Bell 206 (registration N35Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Locust Grove, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter while lifting off a dolly to a hover. This resulted in the tail rotor blades and main rotor blades colliding with the ground and subsequent roll over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter rolled onto its right side after the pilot attempted to realign it on a dolly, resulting in main rotor blade ground contact.
Accident Summary
The pilot landed the helicopter on a dolly at an angle. To correct the alignment, the pilot decided to reposition the helicopter so that it would be straight on the dolly. During this maneuver, the pilot increased collective pitch. The dolly began moving, and the nose of the helicopter pitched up and to the left. Consequently, the tail rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter then started turning to the left, prompting the pilot to lower the collective pitch. The main rotor blades subsequently impacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that no mechanical problems were experienced with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Feb 2004 Bell 206 accident near Locust Grove, GA?
A helicopter rolled onto its right side after the pilot attempted to realign it on a dolly, resulting in main rotor blade ground contact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Feb 2004 involved a Bell 206, registration N35Q, at Locust Grove, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter while lifting off a dolly to a hover. This resulted in the tail rotor blades and main rotor blades colliding with the ground and subsequent roll over.
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