Accident Details
A helicopter was damaged when it struck a pole adjacent to a hangar during takeoff. The pilot reported that as he began to lift off to a hover, the helicopter "bolted forward." He stated that he attempted to stop the forward movement and simultaneously tried to avoid the hangar and a nearby "weather pole."
Occupant Information
The helicopter was configured with four seats and four seatbelts. There were five occupants on board at the time of the accident. A child aged 2 years and 8 months, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the helicopter. Federal Aviation Administration regulations require all occupants who have reached their second birthday to wear a seatbelt during takeoff, landing, and ground movement.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
No anomalies were found regarding the helicopter or its systems. The pilot informed investigators that he did not calculate the center of gravity before the flight; he only calculated the weight. Separate center of gravity calculations were performed using the pilot's understanding of passenger weights and actual passenger weights obtained during the investigation. The center of gravity was found to be 2.4 inches forward of the forward limit using the pilot's weights, and 2.9 inches forward using actual weights. Additionally, the takeoff gross weight was 57 pounds over the maximum gross weight limit when using actual passenger weights.
Regulatory and Reference Information
The Federal Aviation Administration Rotorcraft Flying Handbook states that a forward center of gravity can be recognized when coming to a hover by a nose-low attitude and excessive rearward displacement of the cyclic control to maintain a hover. The handbook further states that flight should not be continued when this condition exists.
Witness Observation
A video of the accident taken by a witness on the ground does not show a hover prior to forward movement, nor does it show an attempt to abort the takeoff.