Robinson R44 II, N178DF: Accident occurred March 26, 2021 in Dustin, Hughes County, Oklahoma

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Brush Popper Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N178DF

Location: Dustin, OK

Accident Number: CEN21LA173

Date & Time: March 26, 2021, 15:15 Local 

Registration: N178DF

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

Injuries: 2 Serious, 2 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

On March 26, 2021, about 1515 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, N178DF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dustin, Oklahoma. The private pilot and one passenger received serious injuries, and two passengers received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 hog eradication flight.

The pilot stated that while maneuvering, the low rotor rpm warning annunciated. He applied full throttle but was unable to regain rotor rpm. The pilot said he immediately performed a forced landing.

Postacccident examination of the helicopter revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage that included damage to the main rotor, fuselage, and tailboom.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY

Registration: N178DF

Model/Series: R44 II 

Aircraft Category: Helicopter

Amateur Built: No

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: OKM

Observation Time: 15:15 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 90 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C /7°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 14 knots / 21 knots, 150°

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Henryetta, OK (F10)

Destination: Dustin, OK

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 Minor

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries:

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Serious, 2 Minor 

Latitude, Longitude: 35.2707,96.0308 (est)