Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the flight was intended to reposition the helicopter from a trailer onto the ground. As the helicopter began its vertical takeoff from the trailer platform, a steel bolt on one of the landing gear skids became entangled with the aluminum skirting of the trailer. This entanglement initiated a dynamic rollover, causing the helicopter to tip over and settle on its right side. Shortly thereafter, a fire broke out and engulfed the cabin area, resulting in its complete destruction.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have prevented normal operation. No other details regarding the helicopter type, registration, or occupants were provided in the source.
Sequence of Events
The maneuver involved lifting the helicopter off a trailer platform. During liftoff, the landing gear skid's steel bolt made contact with the trailer's aluminum skirting, leading to the dynamic rollover. The helicopter came to rest on its right side, and a fire quickly erupted, consuming the cabin structure.
Pilot Statement
The pilot explicitly stated that no mechanical issues existed with the helicopter prior to the accident that could have contributed to the loss of control or the subsequent fire.