Robinson R44 N444VH

Summary

On 4 May 2018 at about 16:55 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N444VH, operated by MF Helicopters LLC, was involved in an accident near East Troy, Wisconsin, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 May 2018 at 16:55

Classification

Accident

Location

East Troy, Wisconsin, United States

Nearest airport

East Troy Muni (57C)

Coordinates

42.7969, -88.3725

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N444VH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1999

Engines

1

Operator

MF Helicopters LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN18LA158

Nobody was injured.

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in impact with terrain and dynamic rollover during the subsequent attempted landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were maneuvering to begin practice hovering when the helicopter experienced a lateral vibration. The instructor assumed control of the helicopter and attempted to land; however, the helicopter yawed to the left and both the instructor and pilot applied full right pedal to align the helicopter's nose with its ground track. Shortly thereafter, they heard the low rotor rpm horn and saw the associated warning light illuminate. The helicopter continued to the left, and as they lowered to the ground, the right skid caught on the grass and the helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, and the helicopter had adequate fuel onboard for the flight. Although the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power, the helicopter was equipped with a carburetor heat assist device, which automatically applied or reduced carburetor heat with changes in collective input. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.