Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the landing zone being unlit.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while enroute, about two minutes from his planned landing zone, the low-fuel light illuminated. He flew past the intended landing zone, which was unlit, and continued searching for the landing zone until the engine suffered a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot initiated an autorotation, and, while searching for a landing reference, the helicopter impacted a power pole. The helicopter came to rest upright and sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, fuselage, and main rotor system.
The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by monitoring the fuel level and having lighting at his landing zone.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA359 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 31, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nashville, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Grass Lot (None)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N442PR
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2006
- 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.