Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately preflight the helicopter, which resulted in his failure to remove the tie down.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, while attempting to conduct timber spraying, he neglected to untie one of the skid tie downs prior to liftoff from the trailer on which the helicopter was positioned. During the attempted takeoff, the helicopter rolled over to the right and subsequently collided with the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 9, 2000, at 1415 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-3B-2, N2243W, registered to and operated by Aerial Application Technologies, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during an attempted takeoff from a trailer 20 miles north of Pine Hill, Alabama. The airline transport certificated pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local aerial application flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 137. The flight was originating from Pine Hill, Alabama, at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, while attempting to conduct timber spraying, he neglected to untie one of the skid tie downs prior to liftoff from the trailer on which the helicopter was positioned. The pilot stated that he diverted his attention away from his preflight actions to speak with the customer about the block area of timber he was to spray. When the briefing was over, he got in the helicopter, started the engine, and attempted to liftoff. The helicopter rolled over to the right and subsequently collided with the ground, substantially damaging the helicopter. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were found during the postaccident examination of the helicopter.