Robinson R44 N9681R

Summary

On 28 July 2013 at about 19:45 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N9681R, operated by Back Nine Aerial LLC, was involved in an accident near Capron, Illinois, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 July 2013 at 19:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Capron, Illinois, United States

Coordinates

42.3900, -88.7402

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N9681R

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2001

Engines

1

Operator

Back Nine Aerial LLC

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

East Troy → Capron

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN13LA448

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor speed while maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was applying a fungicide spray to a field when the helicopter began to lose altitude. The pilot tried to arrest the helicopter's descent while turning by increasing collective pitch, which resulted in a low main rotor speed. The helicopter impacted trees and terrain. Examination of the helicopter revealed no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.