NTSB Factual Report

On February 11, 2002, at 0800 central standard time, a Robinson R-22A helicopter, N8557Z, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff from a transport trailer near a staging area 10 miles south of Encino, Texas. The helicopter was registered to Weslaco Dodge Truck Center, Inc., of Weslaco, Texas, and operated by the Payne McBride Cattle Company, dba Rio Grande Helicopters of Mission, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cattle herding flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that during lift off from the transport trailer, "the top of the helicopter pitched to the left, and the left main landing skid remained nose low." The pilot stated that the left main landing skid came in contact with the left guide rail post on the transport trailer which "increase[ed] the helicopters tilt to the left." Subsequently, "dynamic rollover occurred causing the main rotor blades and the left side of the cabin to impact the ground." The pilot further reported that he saw a helicopter less than 100 feet behind him moving from right to left during his attempted liftoff from the trailer.

An examination of the helicopter, by the FAA inspector who responded to the accident site, revealed that the left landing skid was fractured, both the main rotor and tail rotor blades were damaged, the tail boom and airframe were bent, and the left ground handling tab was curled outward.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during lift off from a transport trailer resulting in dynamic rollover of the helicopter.