Accident Details
On July 26, 2017, about 1945 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, registration N7535G, was substantially damaged following a takeoff accident at John Wayne-Orange County Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter was operated by RS Aviation Services under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a company flight.
Flight and Weather
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on a company flight plan. The helicopter departed from SNA with an intended destination of Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, California.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during takeoff, he experienced a sudden right roll that was uncorrectable with cyclic input. Video footage capturing the accident sequence revealed that shortly after takeoff, the helicopter rolled to the right, causing the right skid and main rotor blades to strike the ground. The helicopter then spun 360 degrees before coming to rest upright, with the tail rotor assembly severed from the tailboom.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the wreckage at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector established flight control continuity with no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter.