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Location:
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Rowlett, TX
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Accident Number:
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CEN24LA027
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Date & Time:
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October 26, 2023, 16:50 Local
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Registration:
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N141CD
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Aircraft:
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ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
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Injuries:
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2 Minor
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Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
On October 26, 2023, about 1650 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, N141CD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rowlett, Texas. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction incurred minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
While in level flight, the flight instructor heard the engine and rotor RPM increase, followed by the high rotor RPM horn. The flight instructor reduced the throttle and subsequently observed another increase in engine and rotor RPM as if the throttle were fully open. The flight instructor again reduced the throttle, then observed RPM fluctuations.
The flight instructor initiated an autorotation to a landing and the helicopter nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the main and tail rotors, tail boom, and empennage. The helicopter was retained for examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
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Aircraft Make:
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ROBINSON HELICOPTER
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Registration:
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N141CD
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Model/Series:
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R44
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Aircraft Category:
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Helicopter
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Amateur Built:
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Operator:
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SKY HELICOPTERS INC
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Operating Certificate(s) Held:
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On-demand air taxi (135), Pilot school (141)
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Operator Designator Code:
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S4HA
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Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
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Conditions at Accident Site:
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VMC
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Condition of Light:
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Day
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Observation Facility, Elevation:
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KDAL,484 ft msl
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Observation Time:
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16:53 Local
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Distance from Accident Site:
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15 Nautical Miles
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Temperature/Dew Point:
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27°C /22°C
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Lowest Cloud Condition:
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Few / 2400 ft AGL
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Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
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10 knots / , 170°
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Lowest Ceiling:
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Visibility:
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10 miles
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Altimeter Setting:
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29.88 inches Hg
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Type of Flight Plan Filed:
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None
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Departure Point:
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Garland, TX (T57)
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Destination:
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Rockwall, TX (F46)
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Wreckage and Impact Information
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Crew Injuries:
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2 Minor
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Aircraft Damage:
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Substantial
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Passenger Injuries:
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N/A
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Aircraft Fire:
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None
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Ground Injuries:
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N/A
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Aircraft Explosion:
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None
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Total Injuries:
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2 Minor
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Latitude, Longitude:
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32.945,-96.557 (est)
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Administrative Information
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Investigator In Charge (IIC):
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Folkerts, Michael
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Additional Participating Persons:
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Baker Nase; FAA; Irving, TX
Ken Martin; Robinson Helicopter; Torrence, CA
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Investigation Class:
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Class 3
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Note:
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The NTSB did not travel to the scene of this accident.
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