Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Dunn, TX — 2021-02-26

Final reportCEN21LA155
Sign in to save
Date
2021-02-26
Location
Dunn, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N7184N
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The loss of rotor RPM for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and two passengers were completing an aerial gunning flight. The helicopter was flying at 80 ft above ground level (agl), when the pilot heard the “rotors droop” and the “engine bog down.” He stated that he applied right pedal and increased the throttle input, but the engine did not respond. The helicopter descended into the trees and impacted the ground. The main rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The investigation was unable to determine the airspeed of the helicopter and the reason for the loss of rotor RPM based on the available evidence. A postaccident examination and engine functional test run revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

Related mishaps