On March 1, 2011, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II operated by 244 Charlie Delta LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Glenwood Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot allowed the helicopter’s tail to remain in a low attitude during takeoff, which resulted in the aft end of the left skid contacting the ground and leading to a dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during takeoff near airport fuel pumps after the pilot allowed the tail to remain low, causing the left skid to contact the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; the pilot exited unassisted.
Accident Overview
A helicopter was involved in a dynamic rollover accident while performing a takeoff from an area near the airport's fuel pumps. The pilot had refueled the aircraft prior to the attempted departure.
Sequence of Events
As the helicopter began to lift off, the pilot allowed the helicopter's tail to remain in a low attitude. This caused the aft end of the left skid to contact the ground. The contact initiated a dynamic rollover, during which the helicopter rolled onto its left side.
Damage and Injuries
The helicopter came to rest on its left side. The fuselage and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unassisted.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter.
Probable cause
The pilot allowed the helicopter’s tail to remain in a low attitude during takeoff, which resulted in the aft end of the left skid contacting the ground and leading to a dynamic rollover.
Contributing factors
Pilot
Related events
Same aircraft family
13 Sep 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (Chop Air LLC)
16 Jul 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (D&p LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Mar 2011 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Glenwood Springs, CO?
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover during takeoff near airport fuel pumps after the pilot allowed the tail to remain low, causing the left skid to contact the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; the pilot exited unassisted.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Mar 2011 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Mar 2011 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, operated by 244 Charlie Delta LLC, at Glenwood Springs, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot allowed the helicopter’s tail to remain in a low attitude during takeoff, which resulted in the aft end of the left skid contacting the ground and leading to a dynamic rollover.
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