FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Accident During Landing in Sage Brush Meadow (N373DM)

Indianola, UT, US

On June 26, 2005, a Robinson R44 II (registration N373DM) was involved in an aviation accident near Indianola, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm which resulted in a loss of control and a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During a landing attempt at 6,100 feet msl in a sage brush meadow, a helicopter lost rotor RPM while in effective translational lift, leading to an uncontrolled descent, hard landing, and rollover. One main rotor blade separated and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

The accident involved a helicopter attempting to land in a sage brush meadow. The meadow was situated at an elevation of 6,100 feet above mean sea level. The pilot was executing a landing approach when the incident occurred.

Sequence of Events

While the helicopter was in effective translational lift, at an altitude between 12 and 17 feet above ground level, it experienced a loss of rotor RPM. In response, the pilot applied throttle in an attempt to restore rotor RPM. However, the helicopter subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent from approximately 10 feet above ground level. The helicopter then landed hard and rolled over.

Damage

One main rotor blade was separated from the helicopter as a consequence of the impact and rollover. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 2005 Robinson R44 II accident near Indianola, UT?

During a landing attempt at 6,100 feet msl in a sage brush meadow, a helicopter lost rotor RPM while in effective translational lift, leading to an uncontrolled descent, hard landing, and rollover. One main rotor blade separated and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jun 2005 involved a Robinson R44 II, registration N373DM, at Indianola, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm which resulted in a loss of control and a hard landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050725X01087. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.