Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and rotor rpm which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after departing from a loading truck for the aerial application flight, he turned into the wind, then initiated a right downwind turn. The helicopter lost airspeed and rotor rpm so the pilot lowered collective and the helicopter settled to the ground resulting in a hard landing. The tailboom and main rotor were substantially damaged. 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 WPR22LA168 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 28, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Folsom, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- None (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N41339
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2008
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.