NTSB Factual Report

On November 11, 2006, about 0915 Pacific standard time, a Bell Helicopter 206B, N59571, rolled over at a privately owned heliport at Hacienda Hotel, Boulder City, Nevada. Rogers Helicopters, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot was not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence and also struck and damaged several parked vehicles. The helicopter was being readied for a local area tour flight that was to depart from the privately owned heliport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 36 degrees 00.37 minutes north latitude and 114 degrees 46.54 minutes west longitude.

In the pilot's written statement, he reported that it was part of his normal routine to start the helicopter and move it to one of the passenger loading pads. He started the helicopter, did the run up, and completed the before flight checks.

After a few minutes, he increased the engine and rotor rpm's (revolutions per minute) to 100 percent, and checked the generator load. He left the helicopter at 100 percent to charge the battery. The pilot exited the helicopter with the engine running and the rotors turning to disconnect the auxiliary power unit (APU), and to move the APU away from the helicopter. While moving the APU, the pilot heard the engine sound change, turned around, and saw the front skids lifting off the ground. The helicopter started to back up; it ultimately rolled over and down an embankment.

No passengers or personnel were on board the helicopter during the accident sequence.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate planning and decision in his failure to reduce the engine throttle to ground idle prior to exiting the helicopter.