No fatalities

11 Aug 2018: Helio H 295 No Series — Great Falls, MT

Great Falls, MT, United States

On 11 Aug 2018, a Helio H 295 No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Great Falls, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in a quartering tailwind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff, the right wing lifted unexpectedly. The left main landing gear sideloaded and collapsed, causing the left wing to strike the runway. The airplane rotated 180 degrees before coming to rest. Substantial damage to the left wing resulted.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot reported that the right wing lifted suddenly and without warning. In response, the pilot attempted corrective action, but the left main landing gear experienced a sideload and subsequently collapsed. The left wing then impacted the runway surface. The airplane yawed left and completed a 180-degree rotation before coming to a stop on the runway.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing as a result of the impact with the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preexisting mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.

Weather Information

According to the automated weather observation station at the airport, approximately seven minutes before the accident, the wind was recorded from 320 degrees at 14 knots. The airplane was conducting its departure on runway 21.

Contributing factors

Causes

Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation