No fatalities

Helicopter Door Opens in Flight, Pilot Loses Control During Attempt to Secure It

Broomfield, CO, United States

On July 23, 2011, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of control due to the pilot's diverted attention as a result of an open door. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter pilot reported a normal takeoff until the right door opened. While trying to secure it, the pilot lost control, resulting in a hard landing that damaged the skids, firewall, and tail rotor.

Incident Overview

A helicopter pilot experienced a door opening shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ramp. The pilot, seated in the right seat, reported that the takeoff was normal until the right door came open.

Pilot Actions

Upon noticing the open door, the pilot attempted to secure it. During this action, control of the helicopter was lost. The helicopter then impacted the ramp.

Damage

The impact caused the left skid to separate and the right skid to be crushed and bent outward. Additionally, the firewall and tail rotor sustained bending damage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He noted that he had checked the security of the door with elbow pressure before departure but surmised that the securing pin may not have been fully engaged.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Related operating info

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 2011 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Broomfield, CO?

A helicopter pilot reported a normal takeoff until the right door opened. While trying to secure it, the pilot lost control, resulting in a hard landing that damaged the skids, firewall, and tail rotor.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 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 23 Jul 2011 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of control due to the pilot's diverted attention as a result of an open door.