Summary
On November 12, 2016, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 (N744JS) was involved in an accident near Stone Lake, WI. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while in a hover and the helicopter’s subsequent impact with a tree.
The helicopter pilot reported that during a hover taxi for takeoff, about three ft above the ground, he thought that he saw a person at the corner of his drive way. He added that he stopped and the helicopter drifted to the left. Subsequently the main rotor blade impacted a tree, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA070. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N744JS.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while in a hover and the helicopter’s subsequent impact with a tree.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that during a hover taxi for takeoff, about three ft above the ground, he thought that he saw a person at the corner of his drive way. He added that he stopped and the helicopter drifted to the left. Subsequently the main rotor blade impacted a tree, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
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# GAA17CA070