Loss of Control on Ground: Helio H-250 Courier, N77TR; accident occurred August 11, 2018 at Great Falls International Airport (KGTF), Cascade County, Montana

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Helena, Montana

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 
 
http://registry.faa.gov/N77TR

Location: Great Falls, MT
Accident Number: GAA18CA481
Date & Time: 08/11/2018, 1300 MDT
Registration: N77TR
Aircraft: Helio H 295
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, the right wing lifted "unexpectedly." He attempted to recover, but the left main landing gear sideloaded and collapsed. The left wing impacted the runway, and the airplane rotated to the left 180° and came to rest on the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

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

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 14 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 21. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in a quartering tailwind. 

Findings

Aircraft
Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tailwind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Landing gear collapse

Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 42, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:No 
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/11/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/06/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 801 hours (Total, all aircraft), 232 hours (Total, this make and model), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Helio
Registration: N77TR
Model/Series: H 295 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2514
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/09/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3600 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2830 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: GO-480-G1D6
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 295 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGTF, 3657 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1853 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 230°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 14 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 320°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 37°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Great Falls, MT (GTF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Chewelah, WA (1S9)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1300 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class D; TRSA

Airport Information

Airport: GREAT FALLS INTL (GTF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 3680 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 21
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 10502 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  47.485278, -111.360000 (est)