Robinson R44 II N944U

Summary

On 9 September 2005 at about 17:25 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N944U, operated by Upper Limit Aviation, was involved in an accident near Jackson, Wyoming, United States. 3 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

9 September 2005 at 17:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Jackson, Wyoming, United States

Coordinates

43.6072, -110.7375

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N944U

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Upper Limit Aviation

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jackson → Salt Lake City

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN05CA138

Nobody was injured.

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb resulting in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter in settling with power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure, the pilot noticed the rotor RPM had begun to diminish, and the helicopter settled towards terrain. The pilot attempted to apply additional throttle; however, the throttle was already in the full open position. The pilot then lowered the collective and reduced the throttle. The helicopter continued to settle toward terrain, and the pilot applied full throttle. The helicopter contacted the ground, rotated 180 degrees, and came to rest upright.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.