Accident Details
On June 21, 2019, at approximately 1215 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration N445AP, sustained substantial damage when it struck a field near La Ward, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for aerial application. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no Federal Aviation Administration flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during an aerial application pass, he had just reversed his course and was preparing for the next pass when he perceived the helicopter beginning to descend. He added engine power, but the descent continued. The pilot then rolled the throttle fully on and increased collective pitch, yet the rate of descent did not change. As the helicopter neared the field, it began to shake. The pilot executed a flare, and just before ground contact, the helicopter rolled before coming to rest in the field.
Damage and Inspection
An FAA inspector who responded to the accident site reported that the tail boom had separated from the helicopter. Additionally, the fuselage was wrinkled, the landing skids had collapsed, and the main rotor blades were impact-damaged. The inspector stated that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operations.