Robinson R44 II N74435

Summary

On 29 August 2025 at about 19:50 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N74435, operated by Pollux Aviation Ltd, was involved in an accident near Petersville, Alaska, United States. 4 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

29 August 2025 at 19:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Petersville, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

62.5424, -151.4440

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N74435

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2005

Engines

1

Operator

Pollux Aviation Ltd

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wasilla → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC25LA099

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s exceedance of the helicopter’s available power while landing in a remote confined area, which resulted in rotor droop and a hard landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was transporting three passengers and their equipment to a remote landing zone (LZ) in mountainous terrain. According to the operator, the helicopter’s estimated gross weight was 2,440 lbs., approximately 60 lbs. below the maximum gross weight of 2,500 lbs. The pilot stated that a guide onboard the helicopter was directing him to the LZ. He had initially planned to conduct a northwesterly reconnaissance flyover of the landing area; however, he became distracted when the guide pointed out the intended LZ directly ahead. As a result, the pilot immediately turned toward the site and initiated a steep approach without completing the planned flyover. During the approach, the pilot reported an increasing descent rate. He applied additional collective to arrest the descent, after which the full-throttle annunciator illuminated. Despite the collective being fully raised, the helicopter continued descending and subsequently impacted the ground. The helicopter landed hard and rolled over, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and the main and tail rotor drive systems. Following the accident, the pilot estimated the wind was from the south at approximately 15 to 20 knots. He reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.