On September 6, 2008, a Robinson R44 II operated by Frezo Financial LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Marathon, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to control the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Robinson R44 II helicopter with four occupants turned to examine fish, then experienced an uncontrolled right turn during a hover attempt, leading to a water landing where it flipped left and sustained substantial damage. No injuries occurred.
Incident Overview
During a personal flight carrying three passengers, the pilot of a Robinson R44 II helicopter noticed fish spotted by the occupants while the aircraft was approximately 320 feet above the water. The pilot initiated a right turn of about 20 degrees and then "settled forward into the wind" to establish a hover at roughly 200 feet. However, the helicopter continued to turn to the right, and the pilot was unable to arrest the rotation. He then "made the call" to set the helicopter down on the water and deployed the floats. Upon touchdown on the water surface, the helicopter "flipped to the left" and became partially submerged.
Occupant Status and Damage
None of the four occupants sustained injuries. The helicopter received substantial damage to its fuselage and tail boom.
Examination and Conditions
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter and found no preimpact malfunctions. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was close to its gross weight. Weather conditions included wind from 080 degrees at 5 knots and a temperature of 31 degrees Celsius.
Contributing factors
Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintainedPilot
What happened in the 6 Sept 2008 Robinson R44 II accident near Marathon, FL?
A Robinson R44 II helicopter with four occupants turned to examine fish, then experienced an uncontrolled right turn during a hover attempt, leading to a water landing where it flipped left and sustained substantial damage. No injuries occurred.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 2008 Robinson R44 II accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Sept 2008 involved a Robinson R44 II, operated by Frezo Financial LLC, at Marathon, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to control the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
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