Robinson R44 N7507X

Summary

On 4 July 2023 at about 23:30 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N7507X was involved in an accident near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 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

4 July 2023 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

Nearest airport

Myrtle Beach Intl (MYR)

Coordinates

33.6797, -78.9283

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N7507X

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2002

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA23LA287

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a hover taxi, which resulted in a rollover.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was taxiing the helicopter about 3 ft above the ground in preparation to takeoff when his door popped open. The pilot said he instinctively removed his left hand from the collective to shut the door; however, before he could even reach the door, the collective lowered and there was reduction in power. The helicopter then rolled over on to its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor system. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that contributed to the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.