ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Abilene, TX — December 18, 2009
Event Information
| Date | December 18, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA082 |
| Event ID | 20091221X22826 |
| Location | Abilene, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.41139, -99.68195 |
| Airport | Abilene Regional |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY |
| Model | R44 II |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.
Full Narrative
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.