Robinson R44 N344R

Summary

On 2 April 2019 at about 16:43 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N344R was involved in an accident near Taunton, Massachusetts, United States. 2 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

2 April 2019 at 16:43

Classification

Accident

Location

Taunton, Massachusetts, United States

Nearest airport

Taunton Muni - King Field (TAN)

Coordinates

41.8744, -71.0164

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N344R

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2004

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

New Bedford → Taunton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA19CA195

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper decision to land with a gusting left quartering tailwind and his subsequent attempt to reposition the helicopter and take off, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. 

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after landing the helicopter in an empty parking spot, he realized that the helicopter was oriented with a tailwind. He decided to reposition the helicopter, and shortly after liftoff, he felt a strong wind gust from the left. The helicopter's right skid then impacted the ground, and the helicopter dynamically rolled over. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tailcone, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.