On February 7, 2006, a Robinson R44 II (registration N447SH) operated by Patrick Samal was involved in an aviation accident near Minden, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in main rotor/tail boom contact and loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter on a short-distance positioning flight experienced an uncontrolled descent about 5 minutes after departure. The main rotor diverged from its normal plane, severing the tailboom. The fuel control return line B-nut was found unthreaded and melted.
Accident Details
A helicopter conducting a short-distance positioning flight descended uncontrolled into terrain approximately 5 minutes after departure. Evidence indicated that the main rotor diverged from its normal plane of rotation and severed the tailboom. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, with light winds and clear sky.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel control return fuel line B-nut was not threaded to the fuel control fitting assembly and was melted. A metallurgical examination could not ascertain whether or not the B-nut was secured to the fuel control prior to the accident.
Pilot Information
Review of the pilot's personal flight logbooks showed that he had over 500 hours of flight time in helicopters.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Feb 2006 Robinson R44 II accident near Minden, NV?
A helicopter on a short-distance positioning flight experienced an uncontrolled descent about 5 minutes after departure. The main rotor diverged from its normal plane, severing the tailboom. The fuel control return line B-nut was found unthreaded and melted.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Feb 2006 involved a Robinson R44 II, registration N447SH, operated by Patrick Samal, at Minden, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in main rotor/tail boom contact and loss of control.
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…