Dynamic Rollover: Robinson R22 Beta, N10786; accident occurred February 18, 2020 in Cotulla, La Salle County, Texas

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

https://registry.faa.gov/N10786

Location: Cotulla, TX
Accident Number: CEN20CA090
Date & Time: 02/18/2020, 0820 CST
Registration: N10786
Aircraft: Robinson R22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Dynamic rollover
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Aerial Observation 

Analysis

The helicopter pilot was attempting to take off from a trailer to conduct an aerial survey. During the liftoff from the trailer, the helicopter rolled right and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that the right skid trailer tie-down had not been removed before the takeoff attempt. Both main rotors, the fuselage, and the tailboom sustained substantial damage. 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 failure to remove the right skid trailer tie-down before attempting to take off, which resulted in a dynamic roll-over.

Findings

Personnel issues Forgotten action/omission - Pilot

Aircraft Tie-down/mooring - Incorrect use/operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff Dynamic rollover (Defining event)

Prior to flight Aircraft inspection event

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied:Unknown 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/28/2019
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/26/2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Robinson
Registration: N10786
Model/Series: R22 UNDESIGNATED
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1993
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:Normal 
Serial Number: 2267
Landing Gear Type: Skid;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/10/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1369 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 6.4 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1567.4 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: O-320-B2C
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 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:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1253 UTC
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  3 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 100°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C / 19°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Mist; No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Cotulla, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cotulla, TX
Type of Clearance:None 
Departure Time:  CST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 28.458056, -99.220000 (est)

WARRANTY:  There is no warranty, express or implied for the information provided herein or the condition, useability, workability, operability or marketability of the aircraft salvage.  All times are approximate and the logbooks and aircraft should be inspected by each bidder BEFORE BIDDING.  Failure of the bidder to view the salvage or wreckage, or confirm any information provided is NOT grounds for a claim or withdrawal of bid  after bid closing date.)  

HOURS estimated from logbooks or other information - not guaranteed or warranted

AIRCRAFT: 1993 Robinson R22 Beta N10786, s/n: 2267

Current Total Time: 3767.4 as of annual inspection 6/10/2019

Hobbs 1564.7

Last required inspection: annual inspection 6/10/2019

Airworthiness Certificate is lost.

ENGINE: Lycoming O-320-B2C SN L-17659-39A

Current Total Time 3767.4 as of annual inspection 6/10/2019

Current TSMOH: 1,540.4

Last OH by Tropic AIRPOWER Lantana, FL 8/31/2006  
                              
EQUIPMENT:  Garmin GNC 420 Comms, Garmin 327 Transponder

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:    On 02/18/20, N10786 sustained significant damage to the rotors and airframe when a tie down remained engaged and the helicopter rolled off the trailer during takeoff. The right trailer anchor held fast to the skid and the helicopter rolled off to the right and impacted the ground.  

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:   Damage includes but may not be limited to the following items.  The main rotor blades and rotor mast are destroyed. The tail boom is bent, and the connecting sheet metal is torn, the tail rotor transmission assembly is disconnected. The engine clutch assembly is compromised; drive belts are disconnected. The tubular framing around the engine compartment is deformed and bent. The engine firewall is wrinkled. All cockpit cabin glass is broken away from the frames.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  The helicopter is stored outside at Air Salvage of Dallas, 1361 Ferris Rd, Lancaster, TX 75146

REMARKS: Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids. 

Salvage is as is/where is. 

The posting information is the best to our knowledge. 

An inspection of the salvage is highly recommended. 

Logbooks may not be complete

Airworthiness Certificate is lost.

http://www.avclaims.com