Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Anthony, FL — 2026-08-13

Investigation ongoingANC26LA084
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Date
2026-08-13
Location
Anthony, FL, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N861MP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On August 12, 2026, at approximately 2305 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, N861MP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Anthony, Florida. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot he had departed a private residence and had climbed to about 700 ft agl when the helicopter started to shake violently. Shortly thereafter the low rotor rpm warning system came on, the pilot lowered the collective and entered an autorotation. During the autorotation, the pilot applied full throttle and the engine and rotor rpm recovered into the normal operating range. As the pilot initiated a climb the engine lost all power again and the pilot made an emergency landing in a field; the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The helicopter is being relocated to a secure location; a detailed examination of the engine and airframe is pending.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Enroute-cruise
  • Engine Failure Enroute
View NTSB preliminary report

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