Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.
NTSB analysis
While air-taxiing the helicopter away from the runway, the helicopter encountered an unexpected gust of wind while passing near a hangar. The private pilot lost control of the helicopter and was unable to regain control before the helicopter's tail rotor impacted the ground. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and remained in the upright position. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured. An onscene examination of the helicopter by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors failed to reveal any preimpact anomalies. The pilot reported that there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA082 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Abilene, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Abilene Regional (ABI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N442RS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.