Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near New Florence, MO — 2024-07-04

Final reportCEN24LA252
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Date
2024-07-04
Location
New Florence, MO, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N225AM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude/clearance from a dead tree limb during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

During an aerial application flight, the helicopter was climbing out from a spray pass along a narrow field when the tail rotor hit a dead tree limb. The helicopter started spinning to the right, entered an uncontrolled descent, and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. The pilot and operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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