Probable cause
The helicopter landed hard during a forced landing.
NTSB analysis
As the helicopter was flying west in the direction of the sun and at 250 feet above ground level, the pilot heard a loud "bang" and observed a black object go by the left side of the helicopter. The object struck the passenger-side windshield. The pilot performed a forced landing to a highway. During the forced landing, both landing skids separated and the helicopter slid to a stop. The lower fuselage was buckled and wrinkled in several locations. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA124 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Menard, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N744RM
- 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.