Robinson R44 II N41411 accident near Ridgedale, Missouri

Probable cause

An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The helicopter was on a new aircraft delivery flight from California to the delivery destination in Illinois. The helicopter was being flown by two pilots and was en route to an intermediate stop to drop off the second pilot. Several witnesses were watching the helicopter in normal cruise flight approximately 700 to 1,000 feet above ground level when it suddenly nosed straight down in a 60-degree dive and impacted trees and terrain. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and the postimpact fire. The flight instructor had completed the Robinson safety course including an evaluation flight in a Robinson 44 helicopter. The second pilot had completed the Robinson safety course including an evaluation flight in a Robinson 22 helicopter. At the time of the accident the helicopter had accumulated an estimated 17 hours of total time. An on-scene examination of the helicopter and engine showed no pre-crash anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08FA218 for the full record.