Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near New Roads, LA — 2021-08-20

Final reportCEN21LA385
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Date
2021-08-20
Location
New Roads, LA, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N744RB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a night cross country flight in his single-engine helicopter to evaluate the progress of some construction projects. As he approached the landing area, he noticed some loose construction debris, so he flew past the site and turned around to approach from the opposite direction. Shortly thereafter, the engine began losing power. Unable to maintain level flight he conducted an emergency landing to a river. By the time he was rescued, about 11 hours after the accident, the helicopter had sunk and was not located despite an extensive search by local law enforcement. Given that the wreckage was not recovered, an examination of the engine to determine a reason for the loss of power could not be performed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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