Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Albany, TX — 2018-01-08

Final reportCEN18LA069
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Date
2018-01-08
Location
Albany, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N797JR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures of the main rotor and tail rotor systems that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot stated that he was using the helicopter to round up cattle. He applied power to stabilize in a hover about 50 ft above the ground when he heard a single loud bang and "felt it in the pedals." The helicopter spun to the right, and the pilot applied full left pedal, which had no effect on the helicopter. The pilot stated that after about two spins, he entered an autorotation to remove torque from the rotor system. The helicopter contacted trees as it descended to the ground and came to rest upright with the tailboom separated. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures of the main rotor and tail rotor systems that would have precluded normal operation; thus, the reason for the loss of control could not be determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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