Robinson R44 II N443SH

Summary

On 14 June 2021 at about 14:54 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N443SH, operated by Tunica Helicopters, was involved in an accident near Sylva, North Carolina, United States. 3 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

14 June 2021 at 14:54

Classification

Accident

Location

Sylva, North Carolina, United States

Nearest airport

Jackson County (24A)

Coordinates

35.3172, -83.2097

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N443SH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2004

Engines

1

Operator

Tunica Helicopters

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA21LA252

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s intentional departure from the procedures published in the manufacturer’s flight training guide, and his subsequent loss of engine rpm, rotor rpm, and aircraft control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was demonstrating emergency procedures and non-standard maneuvers in the helicopter to a new hire pilot and a company sales representative. After several simulated engine failures and autorotations, the pilot initiated a “quick stop” maneuver. The maneuver he performed did not comport with the published procedure in the manufacturer’s flight training guide, and in some cases contradicted the factory guidance in the pilot’s admittedly “slightly modified maneuver.” The pilot initiated the maneuver about 40 ft. above the runway with about 40 knots airspeed. He reduced throttle, which was not directed, added left pedal, which was opposite of that directed, the engine and rotor rpm decayed, and the helicopter descended. The pilot said that he could not recover the engine or rotor rpm prior to the collision with the runway, which substantially damaged the helicopter. The 3 occupants of the helicopter egressed without injury. The pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that would have prevented normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.