Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water during a dark night landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while attempting to land at his private helipad near a lake at night, he was unable to determine his height above the water. As he prepared to return to the departure airport, the tail rotor contacted the water. The pilot attempted to climb, but the helicopter began an un-commanded yaw to the right. The pilot reduced power and lowered the collective. The helicopter subsequently impacted the water and sustained substantial damage to the main rotor, tail boom, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA112 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 7, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tupelo, Mississippi
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N4054Y
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.