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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Rotor RPM Loss During Departure Leads to Ground Contact (N944U)

Jackson, WY, US

On September 9, 2005, a Robinson R44 II (registration N944U) operated by Upper Limit Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb resulting in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter in settling with power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

Shortly after departure, the pilot observed rotor RPM decreasing and the helicopter descending. Despite throttle adjustments, the helicopter contacted the ground, rotated 180 degrees, and came to rest upright.

Departure and Rotor RPM Loss

Shortly after departure, the pilot noted that the rotor RPM had begun to decrease. Concurrently, the helicopter started to settle towards the terrain.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to add more throttle, but discovered that the throttle was already at the full open position. Subsequently, the pilot lowered the collective and reduced the throttle. Despite these inputs, the helicopter continued to settle towards the ground. The pilot then applied full throttle.

Ground Contact

The helicopter contacted the ground, rotated 180 degrees, and came to rest in an upright position.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 2005 Robinson R44 II accident near Jackson, WY?

Shortly after departure, the pilot observed rotor RPM decreasing and the helicopter descending. Despite throttle adjustments, the helicopter contacted the ground, rotated 180 degrees, and came to rest upright.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 2005 involved a Robinson R44 II, registration N944U, operated by Upper Limit Aviation, at Jackson, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb resulting in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter in settling with power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051018X01681. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.