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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.

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NTSB Report

October 27, 2022 · Robinson R44 · N442H

Sarasota, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 27, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sarasota, FL
Aircraft
Robinson R44 (2018)
Tail Number
N442H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA23LA044

While en route, the pilot saw birds in his flight path and banked the helicopter to the right to avoid striking one, after which he felt a vibration. The vibration continued, and the pilot performed a precautionary landing to a marshy area, where the helicopter rolled over, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the helicopter revealed a dent in one of the tail rotor blades; no evidence of any other mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation. The tail rotor came to rest in marsh water and the blade did not display evidence of organic material consistent with a bird strike; however, given that the pilot identified and was maneuvering to avoid birds just before the vibration occurred, it is likely that the tail rotor was damaged during impact with a bird, resulting in the subsequent vibration.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight collision with a bird, which resulted in damage to a tail rotor blade, a subsequent vibration, and the pilot’s decision to conduct a precautionary landing to unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On October 27, 2022, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44, N442H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sarasota, Florida. The flight instructor and passenger were seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, while en route, he saw birds in his flight path, he banked to the right to avoid striking one, and then he felt a vibration in the helicopter. He moved the collective up and down in an attempt to stop the vibration; however, it continued. The pilot performed a precautionary landing to a marshy area, and the helocopter subsequently rolled over, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the tail rotor exhibited a dent. The inspector and a mechanic examined the helicopter for any anomalies and noted that there were no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The dent was examined for evidence of a bird strike; however, the dented side of the tail rotor landed in the marsh water and remained there until it was recovered, and no evidence of organic material was noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberN442H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9500 ft
Altimeter29.91 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data