NTSB Factual Report

On July 2, 2003, about 0850 central daylight time, a Bell 206B3 helicopter, N52L, piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when it rolled off of a landing platform during landing at the Lansing Municipal Airport, Lansing, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was not injured. The local flight originated at an undetermined time.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he landed on the landing platform, but the helicopter was not centered. He stated that he attempted to re-position the helicopter on the platform and that during the re-positioning procedure the right skid shoe "may have become wedged against the raised wooden surface resulting in a suspected dynamic rollover situation."

In his written report, the pilot suggested modifications to the mobile landing platform to eliminate the gaps between the wooden planks.

The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with regard to the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The dynamic rollover encountered by the pilot. Factors were the inadequate remedial action by the pilot due to his failure to prevent the rollover, and the inadequate facility with regard to the design of the landing platform.