History of Flight
On September 23, 2011, at approximately 2030 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration N8324F, struck trees and terrain while maneuvering near Curren, Michigan. The private pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight departed from the pilot's residence near Richmond, Michigan, about 1830, en route to a private hunting camp near Alpena, Michigan.
A witness located about 40 acres south of the accident site observed the helicopter flying overhead at 300 feet above ground level. The helicopter was in cruise flight with all lights illuminated. The witness reported no abnormal engine sounds or mechanical issues, noted heavy rain, and estimated the helicopter's speed at 90 miles per hour. Approximately 20 seconds after the helicopter disappeared from view, the witness heard a series of sounds resembling gunshots, which he later associated with the impact. The helicopter was reported overdue on September 25 at 1000 and located at 1100 by landowners.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rotorcraft rating but did not possess an instrument rating. His most recent third-class medical certificate was dated May 8, 1998. Family reported the pilot did not log flight time after earning his certificate, and his logbook was not found. A Robinson instructor evaluation from March 15, 1999, indicated 335 total helicopter hours, with 196 hours in the R44, and commented that the pilot "flew R44 very well."
Aircraft Information
The four-seat, single-main-rotor helicopter (serial number 202) was manufactured in 1995. It was powered by a 260-horsepower Lycoming O-540-F1B5 series engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on August 26, 2010, at 549.3 hours; total time at the accident was not determined. The Pilot's Operating Handbook specified certification for visual flight rules only.
Meteorological Conditions
At 2054, the Alpena Municipal Airport ASOS, about 20 miles north, reported wind from 330° at 7 knots, visibility 6 miles in light rain and mist, broken clouds at 800 and 1,600 feet, overcast at 2,200 feet, temperature/dew point 11°C, and altimeter 30.00 inHg. Sunset was at 1930, end of civil twilight at 1959. An NTSB senior meteorologist noted solid cloud cover and an AIRMET for instrument flight rules conditions near the site. The Area Forecast indicated marginal VFR with isolated light rain showers. The pilot did not request a weather briefing or file a flight plan.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was in a wooded area about 20 miles south of the destination. The helicopter struck multiple trees and came to rest inverted, with a post-impact fire partially consuming the main wreckage. The debris field spanned approximately 500 feet on a 010° magnetic heading. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, drive system, and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Flight control continuity could not be established due to impact and fire damage.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy attributed the pilot's death to multiple blunt force trauma. Forensic toxicology testing was negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, and ethanol, but detected acetaminophen, alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, benzoylecgonine, cocaine, desmethylsildenafil, dihydrocodeine, diphenhydramine, ecgonine methyl ester, hydrocodone, ibuprofen, and pseudoephedrine in various specimens.
Tests and Research
A Garmin GPS III+ recovered from the site contained no track log for the accident date but showed similar routes flown on multiple previous occasions. Review of the Robinson R44 Pilot's Operating Handbook Safety Notice SN-26, titled "Night Flight Plus Bad Weather Can Be Deadly," emphasized the increased accident risk at night and in poor weather, noting that helicopters can quickly become uncontrollable when visual references are lost.