Robinson R44 N701CT

Summary

On 21 March 2015 at about 01:00 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N701CT, operated by Heien Britt, was involved in an accident near Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 March 2015 at 01:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, United States

Coordinates

34.4531, -93.0383

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N701CT

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2002

Engines

1

Operator

Heien Britt

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Stuttgart → Lake Hamilton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

GAA15CA013

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's overcorrection to the landing pad shifting, which resulted in the helicopter impacting trees. A factor contributing to the accident was the collapse of the landing pad.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he made an approach and landing to the landing pad. Upon landing, the pilot began reducing power, and reported that the helicopter was stabile for about 3 seconds and then part of the landing pad gave out. The pilot stated that the elevated landing pad has a clay foundation with a shell top and that recent rain may have compromised the landing pad stability. The helicopter rocked backwards and the tail skid struck the ground. The helicopter began rotating to the left and the pilot overcorrected to the right resulting in the helicopter colliding with trees. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail boom. After multiple requests, the pilot did not turn in the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report as requested. The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.