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February 24, 2014 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II II · N360AH

Presidio, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Presidio, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II II (2009)
Tail Number
N360AH
Operator
James L Donnell Jr
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14LA149

The pilot reported that he was surveying ranch land and that the helicopter was hovering about 12 to 15 feet above the ground just before the accident. While transitioning to forward flight, the helicopter was unable to maintain sufficient power and altitude. The low rotor rpm horn sounded, and the pilot decreased the collective to try to "fly out of it," but the helicopter was too close to the ground. The helicopter subsequently lost tail rotor effectiveness and spun around once before impacting the ground and rolling over. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm when transitioning the helicopter from a hover to forward flight, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.

Full Narrative

On February 24, 2014, at 1330 central standard time, a Robinson R44II helicopter, N360AH, rolled over while hovering in Presidio, Texas. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. A second passenger was seriously injured. The helicopter as substantially damaged. The helicopter was registered to Nopal Services LLC, and was operated by the private pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from Presidio, Texas. The pilot reported he was surveying ranch land and was hovering at an altitude of 12 to 15 feet above the ground just prior to the accident. He reported he was transitioning to forward flight and was not able to maintain sufficient power and altitude. The low rotor rpm horn sounded and the pilot decreased the collective to try and "fly out of it", but the helicopter was too close to the ground. The helicopter lost tail rotor effectiveness and spun around one revolution prior to contacting the ground and rolling over. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures/malfunctions of the helicopter that would have prevented the normal operation of the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireUnknown
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II II
Tail NumberN360AH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames L Donnell Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 0
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 11 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point21 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time19:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data