On 3 Jan 2019, a Robinson R44 II was involved in an aviation accident near Grace, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pilot struck a powerline while maneuvering at low altitude to observe a coyote, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
Event Details
A helicopter pilot reported that shortly after lifting off to the north from his property, he observed coyote tracks and wanted to inspect. To better observe the coyote, he maneuvered at a low altitude, which led him to cross over a powerline. After crossing the powerline for a third time, he spotted the coyote, turned left, and took his attention off the powerline. As he continued the left turn, the main rotor blades struck the powerline.
Damage
A post-accident examination revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot maintained control of the helicopter and landed without further incident.
Findings
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Pilot
Other contributing factors
Effect on equipment
Related events
Same aircraft family
28 Mar 2026 — ROBINSON R44
12 Mar 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
19 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R44
15 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
25 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
20 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
17 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44 II
7 Jan 2026 — ROBINSON R44
29 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R44
4 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R44
29 Nov 2025 — ROBINSON R44 II
30 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R44 II (KUKI HELICOPTER SALES LTD)