Accident Overview
On October 5, 2015, at about 0910 mountain daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registered as N442RP, collided with a building during takeoff from a private landing area near Parkston, South Dakota. The helicopter was operated by Woodley Aerial Spraying Inc. under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no instrument flight plan was filed.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that upon landing, he positioned the helicopter with some distance between it and an adjacent building, with the tailboom pointing away from the building. A load truck with trailer was then parked between the helicopter and the building. The pilot expected to shut down the helicopter to allow installation of the spray system. However, before shutdown, the owner requested the pilot to give three passengers a ride. After the passengers boarded, the pilot initiated a departure. As the helicopter lifted off, a tailwind gust pushed the helicopter forward. The pilot stated that the event occurred rapidly, leaving no time to recover. The helicopter subsequently struck the load trailer and the side of the adjacent building.
Weather Information
The closest weather reporting station, located at Mitchell Municipal Airport, South Dakota, approximately 24 miles north of the accident site, reported wind from 170 degrees at 7 knots at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R44, registered to Woodley Aerial Leasing LLC and operated by Woodley Aerial Spraying Inc. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage in the accident. The pilot and one passenger received serious injuries; the two other passengers were not injured.