Robinson R44 N99RW

Summary

On 5 December 2017 at about 18:15 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N99RW, operated by Atlas Aviation LP, was involved in an accident near Fort Pierce, Florida, United States. 2 people were 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

5 December 2017 at 18:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Fort Pierce, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Treasure Coast Intl (FPR)

Coordinates

27.4922, -80.3681

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N99RW

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2000

Engines

1

Operator

Atlas Aviation LP

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Boca Raton → Fort Pierce

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA18CA072

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that, while hovering to land on a helipad, the tail struck the ground. He added that the helicopter landed hard and rolled over onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 10 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.