On 24 Sep 2008, a Robinson R22 Beta II operated by Richard R Snure was involved in an aviation accident near Flagstaff, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in a high density altitude high gross weight condition that exceeded the takeoff performance capability of the helicopter. The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm was also causal. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after the pilot, unable to gain sufficient airspeed due to high density altitude and weight, executed a left turn to avoid trees following a low rotor RPM warning, then impacted rough terrain.
Accident Details
The pilot of a helicopter reported that during takeoff, the combination of high density altitude and the helicopter's weight prevented him from gaining sufficient airspeed to climb. As the helicopter approached a tree line, the pilot initiated a left turn to avoid the trees after receiving a "low rotor" RPM warning. Shortly thereafter, the pilot lowered the collective and added throttle just before the helicopter impacted rough, uneven terrain. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated, "…it [the helicopter] was just too heavy and it was too hot, and the terrain was not level for a run on landing." The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 10,612 feet.
Conclusion
No probable cause was stated in the source.
Contributing factors
Causes
Prop/rotor parameters — Not attained/maintainedCapability exceededPilot
Other contributing factors
Effect on equipmentContributed to outcome
Related events
Same aircraft family
20 Apr 2026 — ROBINSON R22
6 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R22
2 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R22
14 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R22 BETA (ESCOLA DE AVIAÇÃO CIVIL ASAS ROTATIVAS LTDAb)