On January 2, 2013, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II was involved in an aviation accident near Menard, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The helicopter landed hard during a forced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter performing a forced landing onto a highway after an object struck the windshield sustained damage, including separated landing skids and a buckled lower fuselage.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was flying west at an altitude of 250 feet above ground level when the pilot heard a loud "bang" and observed a black object passing the left side of the aircraft. The object struck the passenger-side windshield. The pilot initiated a forced landing onto a nearby highway.
Landing and Damage
During the forced landing, both landing skids separated from the helicopter. The aircraft slid to a stop, resulting in buckling and wrinkling of the lower fuselage in several locations.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Descent ratePilot
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 2 Jan 2013 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Menard, TX?
A helicopter performing a forced landing onto a highway after an object struck the windshield sustained damage, including separated landing skids and a buckled lower fuselage.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jan 2013 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 2 Jan 2013 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, at Menard, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The helicopter landed hard during a forced landing.
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