On March 17, 2011, a ROBINSON R44 operated by Kevin C Rychlik was involved in an aviation accident near Petersburg, WV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a lift-off attempt, a helicopter became light on its skids, rolled right then left, causing main rotor blades to strike the ground. Substantial damage to the tail boom and horizontal stabilizer resulted.
Incident Overview
A helicopter attempting to lift off from an airport experienced an unexpected sequence of movements. The pilot reported that as he raised the collective, the helicopter became light on its skids, then rolled to the right and subsequently to the left. During this event, the main rotor blades made contact with the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and tail boom.
Pilot Information
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to or during the incident. He reported a total flight experience of 315 hours, of which 51 hours were in helicopters. All of his helicopter flight time was accumulated in the same make and model as the accident helicopter.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
What happened in the 17 Mar 2011 ROBINSON R44 accident near Petersburg, WV?
During a lift-off attempt, a helicopter became light on its skids, rolled right then left, causing main rotor blades to strike the ground. Substantial damage to the tail boom and horizontal stabilizer resulted.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 2011 ROBINSON R44 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 2011 involved a ROBINSON R44, operated by Kevin C Rychlik, at Petersburg, WV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the takeoff.
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