Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N67RW accident near Inlet, New York

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while approaching to land in his yard, while still over water, he lowered the collective to prevent an increase in altitude when he flared. As the helicopter began to settle, he increased the collective; however, his hand was too far up the collective and his grip prevented the governor from automatically increasing the throttle to increase rotor rpm and maintain lift when the collective was raised. The helicopter impacted the water resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA267 for the full record.