ROBINSON R44

Full Narrative

On June 13, 2026, about 1318 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 Raven I helicopter, N336SG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the North Perry Airport (HWO), Hollywood, Florida. The pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 sightseeing flight.
The pilot reported that this was the second flight of the day; everything seemed to be normal and functioning correctly prior to lifting into a hover. Shortly after lifting into a hover, the pilot said the helicopter drifted to the left, he applied right cyclic to correct. Before the pilot could lower the collective the helicopter drifted sharply to the right and said he could not stop the drift.
Various recorded video footage captured the helicopter lifting from the ground in what appears to be a nose low attitude with a slight drift to the left followed by a drift to the right. The helicopter’s right skid contacted the ground, the critical roll angle was exceeded, and the helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover; it impacted a parked airplane and came to rest on its right side.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter on the previous flight that would have precluded normal operation.
The wreckage has been moved to a secure location and is awaiting further examination by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Figure 1 Helicopter on its right side at accident site (Courtesy of FAA)