Robinson R44 N234ZT

Summary

On 6 April 2024 at about 17:50 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N234ZT was involved in an accident near Key Biscayne, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 April 2024 at 17:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Key Biscayne, Florida, United States

Coordinates

25.6641, -80.1398

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N234ZT

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2017

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Miami → North Eleuthera

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA24LA166

1 person was seriously injured.

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

About 20 minutes after departure on the over-water flight, the pilot of the helicopter felt two “jerks,” although there were no caution/warning illuminations or aural warnings and the engine gauges were all “in the green.” He turned toward land and descended to 500 ft above the water. The pilot applied carburetor heat, then felt a “shake” and noted that he was having to add power as the helicopter was decelerating. While maneuvering the helicopter as close to land as possible, the low main rotor rpm horn sounded and the pilot described that the engine had lost a significant amount of power. The pilot selected an unoccupied area in the water for an autorotative landing, during which the tailboom separated. He exited the helicopter and was rescued shortly afterward. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter or its engine. Additionally, the engine governor control box was tested and it passed all testing parameters. Significant saltwater and sediment contamination prevented the determination of any non-mechanical pre-impact anomalies that may have impacted normal engine operation. Although weather conditions were favorable for carburetor icing at glide power, the pilot stated that he applied carburetor heat during his descent, so carburetor ice was not a likely reason for the loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.