Robinson R44 II N877DR

Summary

On 18 August 2025 at about 17:08 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N877DR was involved in an accident near Burlington, Washington, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

18 August 2025 at 17:08

Classification

Accident

Location

Burlington, Washington, United States

Nearest airport

Skagit Rgnl (BVS)

Coordinates

48.4705, -122.4217

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N877DR

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2008

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

WPR25LA262

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid the light pole, which resulted in a collision with the light pole and subsequent ground impact.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, prior to departure, while in a 10 ft hover, he maneuvered away from a parked vehicle when the helicopter struck a light pole to the aft and right side of the helicopter. Subsequently, the helicopter descended and impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom and fuselage. 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.