2018 Robinson R44-II Accident in Williamsburg, Virginia (N616HS)

Accident Overview and Flight History On July 8, 2018, at approximately 1633 EDT, a Robinson R44-II helicopter, registration N616HS, was destroyed in an accident in Williamsburg, Virginia. The incident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and one person on the ground. The helicopter was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Earlier that morning, the pilot had flown from Stafford Regional Airport (RMN) to Williamsburg Jamestown Airport (JGG) to attend a meeting. Before departing on the return flight to RMN, the helicopter was refueled to capacity. ADS-B data indicated the helicopter departed JGG around 1630 and turned north, climbing to a pressure altitude of about 1,700 feet. After leveling off, the groundspeed increased from approximately 60 knots to 110 knots over the next 1.5 minutes. The helicopter then entered a right, decreasing-radius turning descent until tracking coverage was lost. At the last recorded position, near the accident site, the helicopter was descending at a rate greater than 10,000 feet per minute. Witnesses near the site described the helicopter as flying low, with one estimating its height at about 100 feet above the ground as it approached a two-story condominium complex. The helicopter was described as flying relatively straight and level, or slightly descending, before suddenly pitching nose down and striking the roof of the building. One witness noted the helicopter was “rocking back and forth unsteadily” just before it pitched downward. The helicopter impacted a condominium building located about 3 nautical miles north of JGG. ## Personnel and Medical Information FAA airman records showed the pilot did not possess a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident. His 2016 medical certificate application was deferred to the FAA for evaluation of recent surgical interventions for tremors related to Parkinson's disease. As recently as April 2018, the FAA denied issuing a medical certificate due to the pilot's cognitive impairment and Parkinson's disease. The pilot's last logbook entry was a round-trip flight from RMN to JGG in December 2017, which a witness stated was conducted with an instructor. During doctor visits in 2017 and 2018, the pilot reported his last flight was on August 1, 2016. The 85-year-old pilot had a long history of progressive upper extremity tremor and was diagnosed with a parkinsonian syndrome in April 2015. He underwent deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation, which improved his right-hand tremor. Neuropsychological evaluations in September 2015 and August 2016 determined increased cognitive decline to mild cortical dementia. In September 2016, his neurologist recommended that he not fly due to his dementia. In August 2017, the pilot reported having had six motor vehicle accidents through the spring of that year. A driver rehab evaluation in October 2017 recommended a driving restriction of “drive within a 15-mile radius from home.” In May 2018, the pilot reported disappointment with the April 2018 FAA denial to issue his medical certificate. ## Aircraft and Wreckage Information The most recent recorded maintenance was an oil change performed on January 26, 2018, at an airframe and engine total time of 649 hours, and 35 hours since engine overhaul. The airframe total time at the time of the accident could not be determined. The main wreckage came to rest inside the north end of the building, with some components found along a 70-foot wreckage path extending from the building on a heading of about 20° magnetic. All major components of the helicopter were present at the accident site except for the tail boom. Many components were partially or completely consumed by a post-crash fire. The tail rotor gearbox mounting bolts were fractured consistent with overload. The engine crankshaft rotated freely by hand, and the crankshaft gear index pin was sheared. Examination of the crankshaft gear bolt, locking tab, and accessory gears in the NTSB Materials Laboratory revealed no preimpact damage or anomalies. The mixture control knob in the cockpit was found in the full-rich position. All six fuel injector nozzles were found unobstructed. An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Central District of Virginia, and the cause of death was blunt force trauma. Toxicology testing identified 0.032 grams per deciliter of ethanol in kidney tissue and no drugs or ethanol in muscle, consistent with postmortem production.