Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R44 II near Ridgedale, MO — 2008-08-29

Final reportDFW08FA218
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Date
2008-08-29
Location
Ridgedale, MO, USA
Airport
BBG
Aircraft
ROBINSON R44 II
Registration
N41411
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter was on a new aircraft delivery flight from California to the delivery destination in Illinois. The helicopter was being flown by two pilots and was en route to an intermediate stop to drop off the second pilot. Several witnesses were watching the helicopter in normal cruise flight approximately 700 to 1,000 feet above ground level when it suddenly nosed straight down in a 60-degree dive and impacted trees and terrain. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and the postimpact fire. The flight instructor had completed the Robinson safety course including an evaluation flight in a Robinson 44 helicopter. The second pilot had completed the Robinson safety course including an evaluation flight in a Robinson 22 helicopter. At the time of the accident the helicopter had accumulated an estimated 17 hours of total time. An on-scene examination of the helicopter and engine showed no pre-crash anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
The flight instructor could have opted for a safer altitude or route.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents30

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