N128AF

On March 10, 2025, about 18:30 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R44 II, N128AF was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Chicago, Illinois. The pilot and both passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight.

The helicopter departed Lansing Municipal Airport (IGQ), Lansing, Illinois about 17:45. The pilot stated that they flew north, about 25 nm, along the Lake Michigan shoreline to Navy Pier, and then proceeded south back towards IGQ at an altitude of about 1,000 ft above ground level. About 4 nm south of Navy Pier, the pilot reported that the helicopter clutch light came on but only for about 5 seconds. Shortly after, the pilot said he could smell burning rubber and then the clutch light illuminated again. He pulled the clutch circuit breaker and was preparing to land as soon as practical when the tail section of the helicopter began to vibrate and then he heard a loud bang. The pilot autorotated the helicopter to an open area on a golf course.

The pilot and both passengers exited the helicopter uninjured. After landing, the pilot inspected the helicopter and discovered that the tail boom was substantially damaged because of the autorotation. The helicopter was transported to a secure location for further examination.