Probable cause
The helicopter's sudden yaw and subsequent impact with the water for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the helicopter and its systems.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was maneuvering the helicopter for a landing near his residence and entered a low hover over a lake in dark night conditions about 200 yards from the shore and his residence. The passenger stated that she was not sure why the pilot decided to do that maneuver before landing. While in the low hover over the water, the passenger saw a yellow/orange flash and water splash on the windscreen. The helicopter yawed to the right and went into the water. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12FA091 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 25, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hackensack, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N821JV
- 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.