Robinson R44 II N426DB

Summary

On 12 April 2022 at about 21:05 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N426DB was involved in an accident near Calhoun, Georgia, United States. 4 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 April 2022 at 21:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Calhoun, Georgia, United States

Coordinates

34.4763, -84.9324

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N426DB

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2013

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA22LA188

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he repositioned the helicopter within the landing zone after landing to use its full length for the planned departure. As he applied takeoff power, the pilot inadvertently climbed the helicopter into wires above the main rotor blades. The pilot subsequently reduced power and attempted a run-on landing to an adjacent road, but the main rotor struck a building. The helicopter rolled on its side and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.