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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Conducting Deer Survey Experiences Settling with Power, Performs Controlled Crash Landing (N748BP)

Batesville, TX, US

On September 21, 2005, a Robinson R44 (registration N748BP) operated by Smith Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Batesville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and his subsequent encounter with settling with power. 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 pilot with 1,469 hours and three passengers were conducting a deer survey from a private ranch. After a slow right turn, the helicopter encountered a settling with power condition and the pilot executed a controlled crash landing.

Flight Details

A pilot with 1,469 hours of flight experience and three passengers departed a private ranch to conduct a deer survey. Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, while making a left turn, the pilot spotted a deer to the right of the helicopter. The pilot initiated a slow right turn, during which the rotor RPM horn sounded.

Pilot Actions

In response to the RPM horn, the pilot lowered the collective and rolled on the throttle while turning the helicopter into the wind. The helicopter subsequently encountered a settling with power condition, causing it to continue sinking. The pilot then maneuvered the helicopter to the ground in a controlled crash landing.

Outcome

The accident report does not specify any injuries, damage, or further details regarding the aircraft or occupants.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Robinson R44 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 2005 Robinson R44 accident near Batesville, TX?

A pilot with 1,469 hours and three passengers were conducting a deer survey from a private ranch. After a slow right turn, the helicopter encountered a settling with power condition and the pilot executed a controlled crash landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 2005 involved a Robinson R44, registration N748BP, operated by Smith Helicopters, at Batesville, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and his subsequent encounter with 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/20051020X01703. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.