20020211000949A

(.19) On February 11, 2002, at 0800 central standard time, a Robinson R-22A helicopter, N8557Z, was substantially damaged during takeoff from 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. Preliminary information indicates that the helicopter was lifting off a transport trailer when its left skid contacted the left guide rail post and rolled over onto its left side. 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, and the tailboom and airframe were bent. (-23) during take off from a transport trailer, the left skid contacted theleft guide rail post and rolled over onto its left side, destroying the hel icopter. No damage to property or persons on the ground. There was no fire or near mid air collision.