Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Austin, TX — 2010-07-04

Final reportCEN10CA369
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Date
2010-07-04
Location
Austin, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N74546
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter, resulting in impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the door was properly secured prior to flight.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter had just departed a private heli-pad when the pilot's door opened. The pilot stated he became distracted trying to close the door and hit some trees and had a hard landing. Examination of the helicopter showed some of the main rotor blades were bent and separated, and the fuselage was bent. The pilot stated there was nothing wrong with the helicopter prior to impact.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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