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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 26, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N7184N

Dunn, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 26, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Dunn, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 (1999)
Tail Number
N7184N
Operator
Top Gun Precision Ag
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA155

The pilot and two passengers were completing an aerial gunning flight. The helicopter was flying at 80 ft above ground level (agl), when the pilot heard the “rotors droop” and the “engine bog down.” He stated that he applied right pedal and increased the throttle input, but the engine did not respond. The helicopter descended into the trees and impacted the ground. The main rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The investigation was unable to determine the airspeed of the helicopter and the reason for the loss of rotor RPM based on the available evidence. A postaccident examination and engine functional test run revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Prop/rotor parameters-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

On February 26, 2021, at about 1540 central standard time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N7184N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dunn, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial gunning flight. The pilot reported that he had just refueled the helicopter and departed again with the fuel tanks about half full. While flying at 80 ft above ground level (agl), he heard the “rotors droop” and “engine bog down.” He applied right pedal and increased the throttle input, but the engine did not respond. The helicopter descended into the trees. The helicopter impacted the ground and sustained substantial to the fuselage. The investigation was unable to determine the airspeed of the helicopter based on the available evidence. A postaccident examination and engine functional test run revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN7184N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTop Gun Precision Ag
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-F1B5 · Reciprocating · 540
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 11 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 28 F
Altimeter29.83 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data