N442RS

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 IIS/N: 11035

Accident Details

Date
Friday, December 18, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN10CA082
Location
Abilene, TX
Event ID
20091221X22826
Coordinates
32.411388, -99.681945
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

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

Aircraft Information

Registration
N442RS
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY
Serial Number
11035
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2005
Model / ICAO
R44 IIR44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
2901 AIRPORT DR
Status
Deregistered
City
TORRANCE
State / Zip Code
CA 90505-6115
Country
United States

Analysis

While air-taxiing the helicopter away from the runway, the helicopter encountered an unexpected gust of winds while passing near a hanger. The private pilot lost control as 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 or passenger were injured. An on-scene examination of the helicopter by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors failed to reveal any pre-impact anomalies. On the NTSB Form 6120.1 submitted by the private pilot, there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA082