Pilot Seriously Injured When Helo Fell About 20-30 Feet

The NTSB has issued a preliminary report from an accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter that went down June 4 in Kenosha, WI, seriously injuring the commercial-rated pilot.

According to the report, the helicopter, N601HA, impacted pavement after an attempted takeoff at Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW), Kenosha, Wisconsin. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage.

The helicopter was registered to A-Z Leasing, LLC., and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and a flight plan had not been filed.

Witnesses reported that the helicopter was departing from the ramp and climbed about 20 to 30 ft above ground level (agl). The helicopter descended and impacted the pavement on its right side. A nearby helicopter pilot ran to the wreckage and turned off the fuel valve and battery switch. The pilot was airlifted to a local hospital.

An postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the tail rotor assembly separated from the tailcone. One tail rotor blade was separated and the other blade sustained damage. The helicopter was retained for further examination.

(Image from file. Not accident aircraft)

FMI: Preliminary Report