FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Palm Tree During Pedal Turn at Helipad (N90SG)

St. Cloud, FL, US

On July 7, 2005, a Robinson R44 (registration N90SG) operated by David K. Jowers was involved in an aviation accident near St. Cloud, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of focus on a palm tree, resulting in the tailboom striking the tree and causing a main rotor strike. 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 helicopter struck a palm tree with its tailboom while performing a pedal turn to avoid trailers obstructing a helipad, causing a main rotor strike.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that after departing from a helipad, he flew to his nearby property before returning. Upon approach, he observed a horse trailer blocking one side of the helipad and a mowing trailer blocking the other. While hovering over both trailers, he performed a 160-degree left pedal turn. During the turn, he lost focus on a palm tree, and the helicopter's tailboom struck the tree. This impact caused a main rotor strike, resulting in the accident.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot stated, "I lost my focus on a palm tree and consequently struck the tree with [the] tailboom which caused a main rotor strike. Hence the accident."

Probable Cause

According to the pilot, the probable cause of the accident was his loss of focus on a palm tree, leading to the tailboom striking the tree and causing a main rotor strike.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Robinson R44 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 2005 Robinson R44 accident near St. Cloud, FL?

A helicopter struck a palm tree with its tailboom while performing a pedal turn to avoid trailers obstructing a helipad, causing a main rotor strike.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 2005 involved a Robinson R44, registration N90SG, operated by David K. Jowers, at St. Cloud, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of focus on a palm tree, resulting in the tailboom striking the tree and causing a main rotor strike.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050812X01236. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.