Robinson R44 N4487D

Summary

On 18 April 2018 at about 16:00 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N4487D was involved in an accident near Sonora, Texas, 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

18 April 2018 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Sonora, Texas, United States

Coordinates

30.2117, -100.4775

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N4487D

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2006

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA18CA247

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while he was spotting deer, the helicopter hit a treetop, damaging the tail rotor. The helicopter began to spin, and the pilot closed the throttle. He landed the helicopter, and it then rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's recommendation was to fly at a higher and safer altitude.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.