Robinson R44 II N360AH

Summary

On 24 February 2014 at about 19:30 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N360AH, operated by James L. Donnell, Jr, was involved in an accident near Presidio, Texas, United States. 3 people were 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

24 February 2014 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Presidio, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.6369, -103.9844

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N360AH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2009

Engines

1

Operator

James L. Donnell, Jr

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Presidio → Presidio

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN14LA149

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm when transitioning the helicopter from a hover to forward flight, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was surveying ranch land and that the helicopter was hovering about 12 to 15 feet above the ground just before the accident. While transitioning to forward flight, the helicopter was unable to maintain sufficient power and altitude. The low rotor rpm horn sounded, and the pilot decreased the collective to try to "fly out of it," but the helicopter was too close to the ground. The helicopter subsequently lost tail rotor effectiveness and spun around once before impacting the ground and rolling over. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.