N441HQROBINSON HELICOPTER R442024-12-31 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44S/N: 1155

Summary

On December 31, 2024, a Robinson Helicopter R44 (N441HQ) was involved in an incident near Galveston, 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 pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN25LA067. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N441HQ.

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
NTSB Number
CEN25LA067
Location
Galveston, TX
Event ID
20241231199496
Coordinates
29.304540, -94.771416
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
1155
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
R44R44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
R44

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SPITZER HELICOPTER LLC
Address
5958 ROD AVE
City
WOODLAND HILLS
State / Zip Code
CA 91367-1003
Country
United States

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN25LA067