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Helicopter Tips Off Trailer During Deer Survey Landing Attempt (N952LC)

Del Rio, TX, US

On September 29, 2002, a Robinson R44 (registration N952LC) operated by Holt Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Del Rio, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the reported gusting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot with 1,243 hours reported a strong wind during a second attempt to land on a trailer after a deer survey. The helicopter lurched, rolled right, and fell off, landing on its left side.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot with 1,243 hours of flight experience was attempting to land a helicopter on a trailer following the completion of a deer survey on a 10,000-acre ranch. The pilot reported that the wind was "strong, estimated at 20 to 25 knots." During the second attempt to land on the trailer, the helicopter "lurched" forward, rolled to the right, then fell off the trailer, landing on its left side.

Weather Conditions

The nearest weather reporting station, located about 5 miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds from 130 degrees at 10 knots approximately 7 minutes after the accident.

Pilot Background

The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with a reported total flight experience of 1,243 hours.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Robinson R44 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 2002 Robinson R44 accident near Del Rio, TX?

A commercial pilot with 1,243 hours reported a strong wind during a second attempt to land on a trailer after a deer survey. The helicopter lurched, rolled right, and fell off, landing on its left side.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 2002 Robinson R44 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 2002 involved a Robinson R44, registration N952LC, operated by Holt Helicopters, at Del Rio, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the reported gusting wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021003X05261. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.