On 16 Jul 2019, a Robinson R44 II operated by Rotors Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Council Bluff, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper cyclic input during liftoff from a landing deck, which resulted in the right skid hooking onto an opening on the landing deck and a subsequent dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pilot reported that the right rear skid hooked into an opening on an industrial truck's landing deck during lift-off, causing a dynamic roll to the right and ground impact. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Incident Description
During a lift-off maneuver from a landing deck mounted on top of an industrial truck, a helicopter experienced an unusual dynamic event. According to the pilot, the right rear skid of the helicopter became caught in an opening on the deck surface. This caused the helicopter to roll abruptly to the right before impacting the ground.
Damage
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter. The main rotor system, tail rotor system, fuselage, and empennage all sustained significant structural harm. The extent of the damage indicates a hard landing following the loss of control.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no pre-existing mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have interfered with normal operation. The incident appears to have been initiated solely by the skid's entanglement with the deck opening during the vertical ascent.
Contributing factors
Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
Related events
Same aircraft family
28 Mar 2026 — ROBINSON R44
12 Mar 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
19 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R44
15 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
25 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
20 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
17 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
7 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
29 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R44
4 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R44
29 Nov 2025 — ROBINSON R44 II
30 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R44 II (KUKI HELICOPTER SALES LTD)