Robinson R44 II N447SH

Summary

On 7 February 2006 at about 16:02 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N447SH, operated by Patrick Samal, was involved in an accident near Minden, Nevada, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 February 2006 at 16:02

Classification

Accident

Location

Minden, Nevada, United States

Coordinates

38.9689, -119.8222

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N447SH

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Patrick Samal

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Minden → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX06FA104

1 person died.

The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in main rotor/tail boom contact and loss of control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a short-distance positioning flight, the helicopter descended uncontrolled into terrain about 5 minutes after departure. There was evidence that the main rotor diverged from its normal plane of rotation and severed the tailboom. Review of the pilot's personal flight logbooks showed that he had over 500 hours of flight time in helicopters. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident with light winds and clear sky conditions. Examination of the wreckage showed that the fuel control return fuel line B-nut was not threaded to the fuel control fitting assembly and was melted. Metallurgical examination could not ascertain whether or not the B-nut was secured to the fuel control prior to the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.