Robinson R44 II N31136

Summary

On 18 October 2020 at about 19:00 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N31136 was involved in an accident near Washington, Wisconsin, United States. One person was 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 October 2020 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Washington, Wisconsin, United States

Nearest airport

Washington Island Airport (2P2)

Coordinates

45.3891, -86.9246

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N31136

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2020

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Ephraim

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN21LA021

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during a hover and improper recovery action after the helicopter contacted the ground, which resulted in a dynamic rollover sequence and an impact with terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while moving over a slight incline at a hover in preparation for the takeoff, a gust of wind caused the helicopter to weathervane, inadvertently contact the ground, and initiate a rolling motion. Although the proper response was to lower the collective in this situation, the pilot’s immediate reaction was to increase the collective, which exacerbated the dynamic rollover sequence. The helicopter continued the rolling motion and came to rest on its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, the fuselage, and the tail rotor system. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.