Summary
On January 02, 2013, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II (N744RM) was involved in an incident near Menard, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The helicopter landed hard during a forced landing.
The helicopter was flying to the west, into the sun, at 250 feet above ground level. The pilot heard a loud "bang" and observed a black object go by the left side of his helicopter. The passenger side windshield was struck by the object. The pilot performed a forced landing to the highway. During the forced landing, both landing skids separated and the helicopter slid to a stop. The lower fuselage was buckled and wrinkled in several locations. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN13CA124. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N744RM.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The helicopter landed hard during a forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter was flying to the west, into the sun, at 250 feet above ground level. The pilot heard a loud "bang" and observed a black object go by the left side of his helicopter. The passenger side windshield was struck by the object. The pilot performed a forced landing to the highway. During the forced landing, both landing skids separated and the helicopter slid to a stop. The lower fuselage was buckled and wrinkled in several locations. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN13CA124