Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control, the skid impacting the ground, and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff from his private cement pad and about 2 ft above ground level, the helicopter "darted forward and left." He attempted to correct the drift, but the helicopter began "swinging back and forth," the left skid impacted the ground, and the helicopter then dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tailboom. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The student added that the he "did not have the cyclic in a neutral position when he lifted off" and that the accident flight was his first flight in the helicopter.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot of a single seat helicopter reported that, shortly after takeoff from his private cement pad, and about 2 ft above the ground, the helicopter "darted forward and left." He attempted to correct the drift, but the helicopter began "swinging back and forth", the left skid impacted the ground, the helicopter dynamically rolled over, and impacted the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tailboom. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot added that the he "did not have the cyclic in a neutral position when he lifted off." The student pilot further reported that the accident flight was his first flight in the helicopter.