NTSB Factual Report

On February 5, 2005, at 1700 central standard time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N7091C, collided with the terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE), Minneapolis, Minnesota. The commercial rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions on a visual meteorological rules flight plan. The flight originated from Menomonie, Wisconsin, at 1600.

The pilot reported he was landing on a cart when the accident occurred. He reported the helicopter touched down, and he was attempting to raise the helicopter to center it on the cart, when a gust of wind caused the helicopter to roll to the right. The right skid contacted the ground and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.

The airport manager at ANE reported that the helicopters are prohibited from hover taxiing between the hangars on the airport. The pilot reported they land the helicopter on a cart which they then tow into the hangar using an all terrain type vehicle.

The pilot stated the cart is approximately 6 to 8 inches high. He also stated that when the helicopter is centered on the cart there is approximately 1 foot of clearance between the outside of each skid and the edge of the cart.

The local winds reported at ANE at the time of the accident were from 160 degrees at 16 knots gusting to 23 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and his failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering to center the helicopter on a cart. A factor associated with the accident was the wind gusts.