Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during an approach to landing in a mountainous area, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a helicopter reported that, after performing a series of reconnaissance passes, followed by an out of ground effect hover power check, he decided to fly an approach to a mountain meadow. During the approach to landing, the pilot slowed the descent rate and realized the rotor rpm had decayed rapidly. The pilot lowered the collective and applied forward cyclic to increase airspeed to regain rotor rpm but was unable to recover. He then lowered the collective to enter an autorotation. Upon touchdown, the tail skid struck the ground, the helicopter pitched forward, and the main rotor impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the horizontal and vertical stabilizers.
The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA203 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Park City, Utah
- Nearest airport
- (NA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N715SG
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.