Dragman,
I am not talking about a pre-start checklist. If you can't start the machine without a checklist then you shouldn't be flying. It is the checklist before you pull collective that is the important one - even in simple types like the R22. The pre-take off checks.
Are the doors closed? Are there any warning lights? Are the hydraulics on? Is it clear left and right? Not rocket science but could have prevented this and many more accidents.
I have the luxury of a company checklist and a co-pilot but pre-take off checks can be done without either and should be done by everyone regardless of type.