Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a hover taxi, which resulted in a rollover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was taxiing the helicopter about 3 ft above the ground in preparation to takeoff when his door popped open. The pilot said he instinctively removed his left hand from the collective to shut the door; however, before he could even reach the door, the collective lowered and there was reduction in power. The helicopter then rolled over on to its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor system. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that contributed to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA287 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Myrtle Beach Intl (MYR)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N7507X
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2002
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.