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NTSB Report
November 10, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N3027W
Fort Davis, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 10, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Fort Davis, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2007)
Tail Number
N3027W
Operator
Aaron Kellum
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA034
The pilot reported that he had descended the helicopter to about 50ft above ground level along a ridgeline when he encountered a downdraft from an opposing ridgeline. He attempted to fly out of the downdraft by flying towards lower ground but did not have the power or airspeed to arrest the descent. The helicopter’s low rotor RPM came on as the helicopter impacted terrain and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Attain/maintain not possible
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he had descended the helicopter to about 50ft above ground level along a ridgeline when he encountered a downdraft from an opposing ridgeline. He attempted to fly out of the downdraft by flying towards lower ground but did not have the power or airspeed to arrest the descent. The helicopter’s low rotor RPM came on as the helicopter impacted terrain and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN3027W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAaron Kellum
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point20 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time09:30
Weather SourcePILO