Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to remove the left helicopter skid tie-down before takeoff, which resulted in dynamic roll-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during takeoff from a trailer, the tie-down remained attached to the left skid and that the helicopter experienced a dynamic roll-over. The helicopter rolled off the trailer to the left and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the helicopter reported that during takeoff from a trailer, the tie-down remained attached to the left skid and the helicopter experienced dynamic rollover. The helicopter rolled off the trailer to the left and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.