Robinson R44 N442H accident near Sarasota, Florida

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a bird, which resulted in damage to a tail rotor blade, a subsequent vibration, and the pilot’s decision to conduct a precautionary landing to unsuitable terrain.

NTSB analysis

While en route, the pilot saw birds in his flight path and banked the helicopter to the right to avoid striking one, after which he felt a vibration. The vibration continued, and the pilot performed a precautionary landing to a marshy area, where the helicopter rolled over, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the helicopter revealed a dent in one of the tail rotor blades; no evidence of any other mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation.

The tail rotor came to rest in marsh water and the blade did not display evidence of organic material consistent with a bird strike; however, given that the pilot identified and was maneuvering to avoid birds just before the vibration occurred, it is likely that the tail rotor was damaged during impact with a bird, resulting in the subsequent vibration.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA044 for the full record.