On April 9, 2012, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II operated by Zoltan Horvath was involved in an aviation accident near Henderson, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not maintain directional and yaw control of the helicopter during approach and landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter experienced a right yaw during a downwind landing. Despite corrective inputs, it continued to rotate and descend, touching down on skids and rolling onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Summary
During a landing approach with a downwind component, the helicopter began to yaw to the right. The pilot attempted to counter the yaw by applying left pedal and forward cyclic inputs. However, the helicopter continued its rotation and descent.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that after the initial right yaw, the corrective actions did not arrest the rotation or descent. The helicopter subsequently touched down on both skids and rolled onto its right side. The pilot noted no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and rotor blades. No other damage or injuries were reported.
Contributing factors
Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintainedPilot
Related events
Same aircraft family
13 Sep 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (Chop Air LLC)
16 Jul 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (D&p LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Apr 2012 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Henderson, NV?
A helicopter experienced a right yaw during a downwind landing. Despite corrective inputs, it continued to rotate and descend, touching down on skids and rolling onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Apr 2012 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Apr 2012 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, operated by Zoltan Horvath, at Henderson, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot did not maintain directional and yaw control of the helicopter during approach and landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
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