Robinson R44 II N178DF

Summary

On 26 March 2021 at about 20:15 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N178DF, operated by Brush Popper Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Dustin, Oklahoma, United States. 4 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured, 2 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

26 March 2021 at 20:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Dustin, Oklahoma, United States

Coordinates

35.2707, -96.0308

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N178DF

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2007

Engines

1

Operator

Brush Popper Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Henryetta → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN21LA173

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot’s insufficient monitoring of the helicopter’s power while flying at low altitude and at low airspeed, which resulted in the loss of rotor rpm and impact with a tree and terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter stated that, while maneuvering “low and slow” with three passengers onboard, he noticed “insufficient power” and shortly thereafter, the low rotor rpm warning annunciated. He applied full throttle and attempted to regain rotor rpm but was unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he was forced to land immediately, during which the helicopter impacted a tree then terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter and recommended operating “at a lower gross weight.” Postacccident examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.  

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.