Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter, resulting in impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the door was properly secured prior to flight.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter had just departed a private heli-pad when the pilot's door opened. The pilot stated he became distracted trying to close the door and hit some trees and had a hard landing. Examination of the helicopter showed some of the main rotor blades were bent and separated, and the fuselage was bent. The pilot stated there was nothing wrong with the helicopter prior to impact.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA369 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Austin, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private Helipad (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N74546
- 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.