On November 29, 2017, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II was involved in an aviation accident near New Orleans, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to land the helicopter with both skids on the trailer platform, which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pilot reported striking the tail rotor on the ground while positioning the helicopter on a trailer, then climbing and descending, leading to a main rotor blade strike and impact with the pavement.
Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that, while positioning the helicopter on a trailer for maintenance, the aircraft landed on the trailer with the left skid off the platform. During this maneuver, the tail rotor struck the ground. The pilot then added that the helicopter climbed about 50 feet and he reduced power. During the subsequent descent, the main rotor blade struck the tail boom, and the helicopter impacted the pavement.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
Other contributing factors
Effect on operation
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 29 Nov 2017 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near New Orleans, LA?
A helicopter pilot reported striking the tail rotor on the ground while positioning the helicopter on a trailer, then climbing and descending, leading to a main rotor blade strike and impact with the pavement.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Nov 2017 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 29 Nov 2017 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, at New Orleans, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to land the helicopter with both skids on the trailer platform, which resulted in a loss of control.
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