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Helicopter Tail Rotor Strikes Ground During Repositioning on Elevated Helipad (N442RD)

Goldsboro, NC, US

On July 28, 2004, a Robinson Helicopter Co. R44 II (registration N442RD) was involved in an aviation accident near Goldsboro, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point during landing on a helipad with an exposed edge, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter touched down slightly off center on a 13-foot square elevated concrete helipad. During repositioning, the skids went off the rear, tilting the helicopter and causing the tail rotor to strike the ground.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that he performed a landing on a concrete helipad elevated approximately six inches above the surrounding ground. The initial touchdown was slightly off center, leading him to attempt repositioning the helicopter on the pad. During this maneuver, the rear of the skids moved off the rear edge of the helipad. Consequently, the helicopter tilted backward, and the tail rotor struck the ground.

Site and Aircraft Examination

Examination of the accident site revealed that the concrete helipad measured 13 feet by 13 feet. The width between the helicopter's skids was seven feet. Inspection of the helicopter showed that the ninety-degree gearbox had separated from its mounting, the tail rotor was separated and fragmented, and the lower portion of the vertical fin was crushed. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the helicopter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 2004 Robinson Helicopter Co. R44 II accident near Goldsboro, NC?

A helicopter touched down slightly off center on a 13-foot square elevated concrete helipad. During repositioning, the skids went off the rear, tilting the helicopter and causing the tail rotor to strike the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 2004 Robinson Helicopter Co. R44 II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 2004 involved a Robinson Helicopter Co. R44 II, registration N442RD, at Goldsboro, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point during landing on a helipad with an exposed edge, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040824X01271. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.