Robinson R44 II N424DP

Summary

On 13 April 2013 at about 18:15 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N424DP, operated by Double D Choppers LLC, was involved in an accident near Buffalo, South Dakota, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 April 2013 at 18:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Buffalo, South Dakota, United States

Coordinates

45.7956, -103.4300

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N424DP

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Double D Choppers LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Buffalo → Buffalo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN13LA228

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an emergency landing on uneven terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, while maneuvering during a sightseeing flight at an altitude of between 100 and 150 feet and an airspeed of 50 knots, he reversed course into a strong, gusting tailwind. After making the turn, the low-rotor rpm horn activated. The pilot lowered the collective and executed an emergency landing to uneven terrain, during which the tail boom and landing gear separated from the fuselage of the helicopter. An examination of the airframe and engine, which included a successful functional test of the engine, revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.