Monday, March 01, 2021

Robinson R44, N7184N: Accident occurred February 26, 2021 in Dunn, Scurry County, Texas

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 Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas
Robinson Helicopter Company; Torrance, California 
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

Top Gun Precision Ag LLC doing business as Ace High Helos 


Location: Dunn, TX
Accident Number: CEN21LA155
Date & Time: February 26, 2021, 15:40 Local 
Registration: N7184N
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Other work use

On February 26, 2021, about 1540 central standard time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N7184N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dunn, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial gunning flight.

The pilot reported that he had just refueled the helicopter and departed again with the fuel tanks about half full. While flying at 80 ft above ground level (agl), he heard the “rotors droop” and “engine bog down.” He applied right pedal and increased the throttle input, but the engine did not respond. The helicopter descended into the trees.

The helicopter impacted the ground and sustained substantial to the fuselage. Figure 1 shows where the helicopter came to rest upright among trees. 


The helicopter has been retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N7184N
Model/Series: R44 
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: KSNK,2430 ft msl
Observation Time: 15:55 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 20°C /-2°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / 14 knots, 240°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.83 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Dunn, TX 
Destination: Dunn, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 None 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 None 
Latitude, Longitude:  32.553436,-100.88875 (est)

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