Robinson R44 N748BP

Summary

On 21 September 2005 at about 22:30 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N748BP, operated by Smith Helicopters, was involved in an accident near Batesville, Texas, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 September 2005 at 22:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Batesville, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.0242, -99.5269

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N748BP

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Smith Helicopters

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Batesville → Batesville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

DFW05CA250

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and his subsequent encounter with settling with power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The 1,469-hour pilot and three passengers had departed a private ranch to conduct a deer survey. Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff the pilot was making a left turn when they spotted a deer to the right of the helicopter. The pilot turned slowly to the right and the rpm horn sounded. The pilot lowered the collective and rolled on throttle while turning the helicopter into the wind. The helicopter encountered a settling with power condition and it continued to sink. The pilot then flew the helicopter to the ground in a controlled crash.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.