Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Hackensack, MN — 2011-11-25

Final reportCEN12FA091
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Date
2011-11-25
Location
Hackensack, MN, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N821JV
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The helicopter's sudden yaw and subsequent impact with the water for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the helicopter and its systems.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was maneuvering the helicopter for a landing near his residence and entered a low hover over a lake in dark night conditions about 200 yards from the shore and his residence. The passenger stated that she was not sure why the pilot decided to do that maneuver before landing. While in the low hover over the water, the passenger saw a yellow/orange flash and water splash on the windscreen. The helicopter yawed to the right and went into the water. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low hover maneuver over water before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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