Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Abilene, TX — 2009-12-18

Final reportCEN10CA082
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Date
2009-12-18
Location
Abilene, TX, USA
Airport
ABI
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N442RS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.

NTSB narrative

While air-taxiing the helicopter away from the runway, the helicopter encountered an unexpected gust of wind while passing near a hangar. The private pilot lost control of the helicopter and was unable to regain control before the helicopter's tail rotor impacted the ground. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and remained in the upright position. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured. An onscene examination of the helicopter by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors failed to reveal any preimpact anomalies. The pilot reported that there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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