Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

June 19, 2005 · Robinson R44 · N744MD

Rayville, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Rayville, LA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Tail Number
N744MD
Operator
Drakes Landing
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW05CA169

The 597-hour private pilot was departing on his third flight to the north. Immediately after take-off the helicopter spun to the right and the low rotor rpm warning sounded. The pilot stated "that as soon as the right yaw was felt, left rudder was applied but had no effect". At about 20 feet above the ground, the pilot entered an autorotation. The pilot further stated that, "evidently, I flared too much and the tail boom struck the ground". After the rotor stopped, the pilot and three passengers exited the helicopter. The FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), page 11-10, states, "Under certain conditions of high weight, high temperature, or high density altitude, you might get into a situation where the (rotor) rpm is low even though you are using maximum throttle". The handbook continues, "since the tail rotor is geared to the main rotor, low main rotor rpm may prevent the tail rotor from producing enough thrust to maintain directional control". There was no mechanical deficiencies prior to the accident. The NTSB Investigator in Charge calculated the density altitude at 2,033 feet, and the take-off weight to be within 100 pounds of the helicopter's maximum certified weight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of control following an encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 2005, approximately 1430 central daylight time, a single-engine Robinson R44 helicopter, N744MD, was substantially damaged during a hard landing following an autorotation near Georgetown, Texas. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The helicopter was owned and operated by Drake's Landing Incorporated of Archibald, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local flight departed from a private airport, near Rayville, Louisiana, at 1430. The 597-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) he was departing to the north on his third flight of the day. Immediately after take-off the helicopter spun to the right and the low rotor rpm warning sounded. The pilot stated, "that as soon as the right yaw was felt, left rudder was applied but had no effect". At about 20 feet above the ground, the pilot entered an autorotation. The pilot further stated that, "evidently, I flared too much and the tail boom struck the ground". After the main rotor stopped, the pilot and three passengers exited the helicopter. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies prior to the accident. The helicopter came to rest upright on its belly, with the skids spread. The pilot reported damage to the helicopters tail boom, tail rotor blades, and skids. According to the FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), page 11-10, states, "Under certain conditions of high weight, high temperature, or high density altitude, you might get into a situation where the (rotor) rpm is low even though you are using maximum throttle". The handbook continues, " since the tail rotor is geared to the main rotor, low main rotor rpm may prevent the tail rotor from producing enough thrust to maintain directional control". At 1453, the automated weather observing system at the Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) near Monroe, Louisiana , located approximately 11 miles northwest of the accident site, reported wind from 020 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 6,000 feet, temperature 88 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.01 inches of Mercury. The NTSB Investigator in Charge calculated the density altitude at 2,033 feet, and the take-off weight to be within 100 pounds of the helicopter's maximum certified weight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN744MD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDrakes Landing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 11 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data