Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Nashville, AR — 2025-08-31

Final reportCEN25LA359
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Date
2025-08-31
Location
Nashville, AR, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N442PR
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the landing zone being unlit.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the landing zone being unlit.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while enroute, about two minutes from his planned landing zone, the low-fuel light illuminated. He flew past the intended landing zone, which was unlit, and continued searching for the landing zone until the engine suffered a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot initiated an autorotation, and, while searching for a landing reference, the helicopter impacted a power pole. The helicopter came to rest upright and sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, fuselage, and main rotor system. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by monitoring the fuel level and having lighting at his landing zone.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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