On August 17, 2014, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 operated by Don Johnston was involved in an aviation accident near Hayesville, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter, and adequate clearance, which resulted in a collision with a hangar. 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 its main rotor struck a hangar and it rolled over on the apron. The pilot reported overcorrecting with the cyclic after the helicopter rose and tilted post-landing. No preimpact mechanical failures were noted.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, after landing the helicopter in front of a hangar, the helicopter began to rise and tilt. The pilot increased the collective and overcorrected with the cyclic, which resulted in the main rotor impacting the hangar. The helicopter then settled onto the concrete apron and rolled over, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor blades.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage
Substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor blades was noted following the rollover.
Contributing factors
Directional control — 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 17 Aug 2014 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 accident near Hayesville, NC?
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after its main rotor struck a hangar and it rolled over on the apron. The pilot reported overcorrecting with the cyclic after the helicopter rose and tilted post-landing. No preimpact mechanical failures were noted.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Aug 2014 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Aug 2014 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44, operated by Don Johnston, at Hayesville, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter, and adequate clearance, which resulted in a collision with a hangar.
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