Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II N442FG accident near Ocean Shores, Washington

Probable cause

The pilots’ loss of helicopter control during the approach to landing.

NTSB analysis

During most of the flight, the right-seat pilot was the flying-pilot. As the flight approached the destination airport, the left-seat pilot assumed authority of the helicopter's flight controls and noted that the wind was calm. The pilot then maneuvered the helicopter from about 20 ft above ground level toward the intended touchdown zone. The pilot subsequently lost control of the helicopter; he stated that the flight controls felt "mushy" and unresponsive. The other pilot unsuccessfully attempted to help him regain control, and the helicopter subsequently descended near-vertically and landed hard. An examination of the hydraulic servos, reservoir, and pump and the flight control system revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA188 for the full record.