ERA19LA144

According to a witness, it was dark, and the pilot of the helicopter planned on making a 180° hover turn and perform a steep departure down the runway that was lined by trees. The witness observed the helicopter hover, rotate about 150°, and start a steep departure climb. As the helicopter climbed, it crossed over the runway and the main rotor blades impacted a tree about 50 ft above the ground. The helicopter turned sharply and fell nose-down to the ground. The witness stated that, prior to takeoff, the helicopter sounded and appeared to perform normally; all navigation and landing lights were functioning prior to takeoff. A postcrash fire destroyed the helicopter. Examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The witness suggested placing a vehicle with lights at the end of the runway, but the pilot declined the suggestion. Based on the dark night conditions during takeoff, it is likely that the pilot did not see the perimeter of the takeoff area and impacted the trees.

On April 6, 2019, at 2208 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N4047H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Clover, Virginia. The pilot was seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to a witness, the helicopter arrived at 07VA at 1830. The pilot approached from the south and landed facing north. About 2200, the witness drove the pilot back to the helicopter where they discussed his departure plan. The pilot planned to liftoff, hover, turn 180° to the left, and depart southbound while climbing steeply above the treetops. The pilot brought the helicopter to a hover, rotated about 150°, and started the steep departure climb. As the helicopter climbed, it crossed over the runway and the main rotor blades impacted a tree about 50 ft above the ground. The helicopter turned sharply and fell nose-down to the ground. The witness stated that, prior to takeoff, the helicopter sounded and appeared to perform normally; all navigation and landing lights were functioning prior to takeoff. In a postaccident interview, the pilot said he remembered that his friend asked if he should leave before the sun goes down. The pilot assured his friend that he would be fine. When the pilot was ready to depart, his friend offered to shine lights from the south end of the runway as a guide. Again, the pilot assured his friend that it would not be necessary. The pilot said that he did not recall the accident events after departure but agreed with his friend's recollection. An examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a representative from Robinson Helicopters revealed that the helicopter came to rest at the base of a tree. A postcrash fire destroyed the cockpit and instrument panel. Examination of the main rotor blades revealed both blades remained attached to the main rotor hub and were buckled. Examination of the main rotor transmission revealed rotational scoring. The tail boom was impact and fire damaged. The tail rotor blades were buckled and remained attached to the tail rotor gearbox. Examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.