Robinson R44 II, N3025J, Flicksville Flyers Inc: Accident occurred July 04, 2017 at Braden Airpark (N43), Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, during liftoff, the tail rotor chip warning light illuminated "and distracted me for a moment." The helicopter drifted to the right, the right skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft, the horizontal stabilizer, and the main rotor blades.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's distraction during liftoff due to the tail rotor chip warning light illuminating, which resulted in the helicopter drifting right, the skid touching down, and a dynamic roll-over.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Attention - Pilot (Cause)

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Allentown, Pennsylvania

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Flicksville Flyers Inc: http://registry.faa.gov/N3025J

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA383
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 04, 2017 in Easton, PA
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44, registration: N3025J
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The helicopter pilot reported that during lift off, the tail rotor chip warning light illuminated, "and distracted me for a moment." The helicopter drifted to the right, the right skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled over on to its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft, the horizontal stabilizer and the main rotor blades.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.