Probable cause
A hard landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was conducting a visual flight rules personal flight in visual meteorological conditions. After cancelling flight following services with air traffic control, the helicopter impacted an open field under unknown circumstances. The pilot did not provide a statement regarding the events of the accident, and there were no witnesses.
Postaccident airframe and engine examinations revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The upright orientation of the wreckage and impact damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades were consistent with a hard landing; however, the circumstances surrounding the accident and the reason for the hard landing could not be determined based on available evidence.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18LA130 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 2, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Portland, Oregon
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
- N-number
- N7526S
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.