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NTSB Report
August 28, 2021 · Robinson R44 II · N544SH
Camp Verde, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Camp Verde, AZ
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II (2005)
Tail Number
N544SH
Operator
Yavapai County
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA341
The pilot reported that, while taking off from a remote mountainous site, the helicopter encountered some turbulent air and the main rotor RPM decayed. He elected to abort the takeoff and land at a site about 20-30 ft from the original location. During the landing, the main rotor blades struck a tree. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to main rotor blades and main rotor hub assembly. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident could have been avoided by taking more time to calculate and determine the density altitude and out of ground effect performance of the helicopter at the time of the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations which resulted in an aborted takeoff and collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while taking off from a remote mountainous site, the helicopter encountered some turbulent air and the main rotor RPM decayed. He elected to abort the takeoff and land at a site about 20-30 ft from the original location. During the landing, the main rotor blades struck a tree. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to main rotor blades and main rotor hub assembly. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident could have been avoided by taking more time to calculate and determine the density altitude and out of ground effect performance of the helicopter at the time of the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN544SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorYavapai County
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AEIA5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 50
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourcePILO