# NTSB BFO92LA062: Continental Copters MK6B, N9012T, Middleboro, MA, May 14, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1992, 09:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Middleboro, MA
- Location: 41.8932° N, 70.9112° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Middleboro, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8932&lon=-70.9112&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11787
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO92LA062
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11787/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA062

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RELEASE A TIE DOWN STRAP FROM THE HELICOPTER'S SKID DURING THE PREFLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Roll over, taxi - aerial
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND OPERATOR DID A WALK AROUND PREFLIGHT OF THE HELICOPTER WHILE IT WAS SECURED TO A FLATBED TRAILER.  THE PILOT RELEASED THE LEFT TIE DOWN STRAP ON THE LEFT SKID, BOARDED, AND STARTED THE HELICOPTER.  THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO HOVER-TAXI OFF THE FLATBED TRAILER.  THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ON ITS RIGHT SIDE AND CRASHED INTO THE GROUND BESIDE THE TRAILER.  THE HELICOPTER'S BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND AND A VEHICLE WHICH WAS PARKED 30-50 FEET AWAY.  AFTER EXITING THE HELICOPTER, THE PILOT NOTED THE RIGHT REAR SKID TIE DOWN WAS STILL LOCKED OVER THE SKID AND ATTACHED TO THE TRAILER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9012T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9012T), registered now, S/N CCI-74-4 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CONTINENTAL COPTERS MK6B
- Registry model: [Continental Copters TOMCAT MK6B](https://openairdocs.org/model/continental-copters-tomcat-mk6b) (registry code 2390202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-435 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-435-series) (registry code 41525, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: CCI 74-4
- Airframe hours: 3229
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-435-A1F 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 137
- Operator: Firefly Leasing Inc.
- Registered owner: Firefly Leasing Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 7, 1991, 92 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,100 total, 300 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920514014899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920514014899A), May 14, 1992: Ccoptr TOMCATMK5A, Middleboro, MA, Substantial damage. Preflighted helicopter on flatbed. Untied one skid. Rolled over. Trying lift. Other skid tied.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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