Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N360AH accident near Presidio, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm when transitioning the helicopter from a hover to forward flight, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was surveying ranch land and that the helicopter was hovering about 12 to 15 feet above the ground just before the accident. While transitioning to forward flight, the helicopter was unable to maintain sufficient power and altitude. The low rotor rpm horn sounded, and the pilot decreased the collective to try to "fly out of it," but the helicopter was too close to the ground. The helicopter subsequently lost tail rotor effectiveness and spun around once before impacting the ground and rolling over. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA149 for the full record.