# NTSB MIA01LA007: Robinson R-22 Beta, N621DM, Dellwood, FL, October 17, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 17, 2000, 08:00 local (12:00 UTC)
- Place: Dellwood, FL
- Coordinates: 30.84946, -85.229187 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.8495&lon=-85.2292&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 2, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 50474
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA01LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/50474/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01LA007

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to clear the area, and his attempted takeoff while the helicopter's right skid was entangled with vines, which resulted in inadvertent dynamic rollover and substantial damage to the aircraft.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lift-off - attempted, pilot in command
  - dynamic rollover - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

The pilot stated that while attempting to takeoff from a field, the helicopter's right skid became entangled in vines, which induced dynamic rollover. According to the pilot, the aircraft rolled on its right side, and incurred substantial damage. The pilot said that prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the aircraft, or any on its systems.

## Factual narrative

On October 17, 2000, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, N621DM, registered to and operated by Skycopters Incorporated, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 aerial observation flight, experienced dynamic rollover during takeoff from a field in Dellwood, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that his headset came off in flight, and he had landed in a field to secure the headset. The pilot further stated that while attempting to takeoff from the field, and upon transitioning from hover to takeoff, the helicopter's right skid became entangled in vines hidden in the undergrowth. The pilot said that the skid's entanglement with the vines while he was attempting the takeoff induced dynamic rollover on to the aircraft's right side. He said that when the aircraft rolled over, the main and tail rotor systems separated from the aircraft, and the tail boom broke off. According to the pilot, prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the aircraft, or any on its systems.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N621DM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N621DM-2020-09-30), registration cancelled 2020-09-30, S/N 2776, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R-22 BETA
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-360-C1F](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-360-c1f) (registry code 41573, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2776
- Airframe hours: 521
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-J2A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: Skycopters Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2000, 21 hours before
- Departed: MAI, MARIANNA, FL
- Destination: 54J, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 3,500 total, 250 in this make and model, 3,300 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MAI

## 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 20001017015299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20001017015299A), Oct 17, 2000: Robsin R22BETA, Dellwood, FL, Substantial damage. (-23)Pilot stated: his head set came off in flight, so he landed in a field, upon takeoff the right landing gear skid caught some vines, causing the a/c to…

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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