Robinson R44 N225ML

Summary

On 3 August 2024 at about 19:15 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N225ML, operated by Seaton Flying Services, was involved in an accident near Bryant, Iowa, United States. One person was 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

3 August 2024 at 19:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Bryant, Iowa, United States

Coordinates

41.9304, -90.3571

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N225ML

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2007

Engines

1

Operator

Seaton Flying Services

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN24LA303

Nobody was injured.

A loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, resulting in impact with terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

After takeoff from an agricultural load truck in a helicopter loaded with mixed liquid product to apply to a corn field, the pilot noticed a drop in rotor rpm. The pilot followed an area of terrain that sloped downward in an attempt to gain airspeed. The pilot attempted to increase rotor rpm but was unsuccessful. The pilot flared the helicopter while attempting to land; however, the helicopter impacted an area of rising terrain and came to rest on its left side. The pilot was able to exit the helicopter without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor system, tail cone, and tail rotor system. Examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no indication of a pre-impact malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The governor system components were tested and no failures or malfunctions were found. Although the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at glide power, the reported power loss occurred while at takeoff power. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power described by the pilot could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.