On April 2, 2003, a Robinson R-44 II (registration N233TR) operated by Thomas Hughes was involved in an aviation accident near Willcox, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the alternator belt which resulted in the failure of the main drive belt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced a drive belt failure during cruise, leading to an emergency landing. The pilot performed an autorotation, but the helicopter contacted dirt, tipped forward, damaging skids and causing main rotor to strike tail boom.
Sequence of Events
During cruise flight, the alternator light illuminated and the ammeter indicated a drop. The pilot responded by turning off all nonessential electrical equipment. Shortly after, a "thump" was heard, followed by the smell of burnt rubber. Approximately 15 seconds later, the clutch light illuminated and a "thud" was heard. The pilot lowered the collective, and both lights continued to illuminate. The pilot then entered an autorotation and pulled the clutch circuit breaker. As the helicopter settled from the flare, it contacted a "clump" of dirt. The helicopter tipped forward, bending the forward portion of the skids, and the main rotor struck the tail boom.
Findings
No preimpact anomalies with either the airframe or engine were discovered. The main rotor drive belts were found in the drive compartment in a shredded condition. The alternator belt was not recovered.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Apr 2003 Robinson R-44 II accident near Willcox, AZ?
A helicopter experienced a drive belt failure during cruise, leading to an emergency landing. The pilot performed an autorotation, but the helicopter contacted dirt, tipped forward, damaging skids and causing main rotor to strike tail boom.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Apr 2003 involved a Robinson R-44 II, registration N233TR, operated by Thomas Hughes, at Willcox, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the alternator belt which resulted in the failure of the main drive belt.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…