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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Lost Control During Deer Counting Flight (N744RG)

Catarina, TX, US

On October 24, 2007, a Robinson R-44 (registration N744RG) was involved in an aviation accident near Catarina, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of control due to the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees while hovering . A contributing factor was the low altitude. 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 certificated flight instructor lost control of a single-engine helicopter while hovering out of ground effect during a deer counting flight. The helicopter contacted a tree and came to rest on its left side.

Overview

The incident involved a certificated flight instructor operating a single-engine helicopter on a deer counting mission. The helicopter was hovering out of ground effect when control was lost.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's account, the helicopter was hovering into the wind at the time of the occurrence. A "thump" was noted in the flight controls, after which the helicopter made contact with a tree. Following the tree strike, the helicopter entered an uncontrollable right turn. The low-rotor RPM audio warning activated, indicating a drop in rotor speed. The pilot was unable to regain control, and the helicopter descended and came to rest on its left side.

Aftermath

The helicopter sustained damage as a result of the tree contact and the subsequent impact with terrain. The helicopter came to rest in a position on its left side. No further details regarding the extent of damage or any injuries were provided in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Robinson R44 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 2007 Robinson R-44 accident near Catarina, TX?

A certificated flight instructor lost control of a single-engine helicopter while hovering out of ground effect during a deer counting flight. The helicopter contacted a tree and came to rest on its left side.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 2007 involved a Robinson R-44, registration N744RG, at Catarina, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control due to the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees while hovering . A contributing factor was the low altitude.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071126X01843. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.