Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with bushed resulting in in-flight contact and susequent dynamic roll-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he went out to warm-up the helicopter about 0500, and while hover taxiing north to reposition the helicopter for a planned flight at 0730, the left skid contacted a hedge bush row and the helicopter rolled onto its left side. He further stated there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. His biennial flight review expired February 28, 2003.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 23, 2004, about 0500 eastern standard time, a Robinson R44, N77KK, listed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as "Registration Pending", rolled over while hover taxiing at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, Vero Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The heliocopter was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he went out to warm up the helicopter about 0500, and while hover taxiing north to reposition the helicopter for a planned flight at 0730, the left skid contacted a hedge bush row and the helicopter rolled onto its left side. He further stated there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. His biennial flight review expired February 28, 2003.