Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations which resulted in an aborted takeoff and collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while taking off from a remote mountainous site, the helicopter encountered some turbulent air and the main rotor RPM decayed. He elected to abort the takeoff and land at a site about 20-30 ft from the original location. During the landing, the main rotor blades struck a tree. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to main rotor blades and main rotor hub assembly. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident could have been avoided by taking more time to calculate and determine the density altitude and out of ground effect performance of the helicopter at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA341 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 28, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Camp Verde, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Robinson R44
- N-number
- N544SH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2005
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- PUBL
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.