Robinson R44 II N834RC

Summary

On 2 March 2013 at about 19:00 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N834RC, operated by Hector Fortis Santiago, was involved in an accident near Ciales, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 March 2013 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Ciales, United States

Coordinates

18.3058, -66.5678

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N834RC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Hector Fortis Santiago

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Yauco → San Juan

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA13LA152

1 person had minor injuries.

A loss of main rotor rpm for reasons that could not be determined because an examination of the helicopter’s engine and associated components did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the helicopter was in cruise flight about 700 feet above ground level when he perceived a loss of rotor rpm and entered autorotation. During the descent, the helicopter turned 180 degrees, struck power lines, and collided with terrain. A postcrash fire consumed a significant portion of the helicopter. A detailed examination of the remaining portions of the helicopter, its engine, and associated components revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.