Robinson Helicopter R44 Clipper 1 N240RM accident near Deadhorse, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during a descent, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, he set-up for an approach over hilly terrain with a strong tailwind. Descending on a left base the helicopter began to drift due to the wind, so the pilot added collective pitch to control the descent rate however, the helicopter rapidly descended despite the control input. The pilot initiated a run-on landing to the unimproved featureless tundra that appeared level. Upon ground contact the helicopter dynamically rolled over on its right side. The fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA329 for the full record.