Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the helipad, which resulted in a rollover. A factor in this accident was pilot fatigue.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed from his residence at 0700, and flew to an airport to complete a 100-hour inspection on the helicopter. He departed the airport 1830 for the return flight home and arrived about 2030. The pilot said he was "very tired" and attempted to land on a "very tight helipad" in front of the building where the helicopter was hangared. As the helicopter touched down, it was not far enough on the helipad and began to tilt backward. The pilot attempted to correct the helicopter's position; however, it rolled over and struck the ground. The pilot further stated he did not experience any mechanical problems with the helicopter.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 29, 2002, about 2030 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22B, N8347Y, was substantially damaged while landing on a private helipad, in Madison Heights, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Hampton Roads Executive Airport (PVG), Portsmouth, Virginia. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot said he departed from his residence at 0700, and flew to PVG to complete a 100-hour inspection on the helicopter. He departed PVG about 1830 for the return flight home. When he arrived, he was "very tired" and attempted to land on a "very tight helipad" in front of the building where the helicopter was hangared. As the helicopter touched down, it was not far enough on the helipad and began to tilt backward. The pilot attempted to correct the helicopter's position; however, it rolled over and struck the ground. The pilot further stated he did not experience any mechanical problems with the helicopter. He reported 97 hours of total flight experience, all in the R-22.