Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the rotorcraft flight controls resulting in a dynamic rollover during takeoff. A factor was the soft ground that the left skid encountered.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter sustained substantial damage during a dynamic roll over on takeoff. The pilot made a precautionary landing, in a cornfield, in response to a warning light. After resolving the light issue and during takeoff, the "right skid rose off the ground but the left skid made no attempt to raise and the helicopter abruptly rolled over onto the left skid and continued over until the rotor blades contacted the ground. ... The left skid had sunk into the ground further than it appeared." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "I could have made a ... more [thorough] check of ground conditions before attempting a takeoff."
Source record
Factual narrative
The helicopter sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when it dynamically rolled over on takeoff following a precautionary landing, in a cornfield, in response to a warning light. The pilot reported, in reference to the takeoff, that the "right skid rose off the ground but the left skid made no attempt to raise and the helicopter abruptly rolled over onto the left skid and continued over until the rotor blades contacted the ground. ... The left skid had sunk into the ground further than it appeared." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "I could have made a ... more [thorough] check of ground conditions before attempting a takeoff."