NYC97LA096

Factual narrative

On May 18, 1997, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N4430R, was substantially damaged when it encountered wake turbulence during the initial takeoff climb at the Galion Municipal Airport, Galion, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement submitted by the pilot, he stated the following: "I was preparing for departure on runway 23. The...helicopter was approaching for landing on the grass near the hangars. I completed the engine run-up and started my take off run. After lift off and about fifty feet altitude, I encountered severe turbulence from the helicopter rotor which tipped the [airplane] almost vertical to the right. I was able to get the [airplane] leveled before it made hard contact with the runway. The nose wheel strut collapsed letting the propeller strike the ground. We came to a stop on the grass between the runway and the taxiway. After our encounter with the turbulence, they moved the helicopter landing site much farther from the active runway." The pilot reported that the helicopter was approaching from the east to the south side of runway 23. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. While a helicopter was approaching the south side of runway 23 from the east, the airplane pilot was conducting a takeoff from runway 23. During the initial takeoff climb, about 50 above ground level, the airplane encountered main rotor downwash from the helicopter. The airplane then descended and impacted the ground. The airplane pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The airplane pilot further reported that after the accident, the helicopter landing site was relocated to an area further away from the active runway. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12