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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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July 14, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N62RK

Pocahontas, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pocahontas, IL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2004)
Tail Number
N62RK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA306

The pilot reported that, while spraying corn about 15 ft above ground level and at an airspeed of about 60 miles per hour, the engine “started to spit and sputter” and then lost total power. He attempted to reduce the airspeed and initiated a flare before colliding with 10 ft tall corn stalks. During the impact with the corn stalks the helicopter’s landing gear skids and tail boom separated and the helicopter bounced off the ground. The helicopter became airborne, traveled about 30 ft, rolled over, and came to rest onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. The pilot reported the helicopter fuel tanks contained about 10 gallons of fuel and an odor of fuel was noted at the accident site. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined

Full Narrative

On July 13, 2023, about 1900 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N62RK, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Pocahontas, Illinois. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. According to the pilot, while spraying corn about 15 ft above ground level and at an airspeed of about 60 miles per hour, the engine “started to spit and sputter” and then lost total power. The pilot attempted to reduce the airspeed and initiated a flare before colliding with 10 ft tall corn stalks. During the impact with the corn stalks, the helicopter’s landing gear skids and tail boom separated, and the helicopter bounced off the ground. The helicopter became airborne, traveled about 30 ft, rolled over, and came to rest onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. The pilot reported the helicopter fuel tanks contained about 10 gallons of fuel and an odor of fuel was noted at the accident site. A postaccident examination of the engine was conducted, during which the spark plugs were removed and tested. The engine cylinders were borescoped with no anomalies noted to the cylinders, pistons, and valves. A cold cylinder compression check was completed with cylinder compressions in the normal range. The engine was rotated manually and through battery power to the starter; no anomalies were noted, and mechanical continuity was verified throughout the engine. Both magnetos provided spark when the engine was rotated. The engine fuel lines were checked for looseness and all lines were secured. When the engine component fuel lines were removed, an undocumented amount of fuel was present in the fuel lines and components. The examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN62RK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time19:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data