On 31 Jul 2019, a Robinson R44 II operated by Dakota Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fessenden, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter performing aerial application into rising terrain struck powerline wires at about 40 knots, rolled right, descended, touched down upright, bounced, and rolled onto its left side. The tail rotor drive system sustained substantial damage.
Accident Sequence
The helicopter was conducting an aerial application flight into rising terrain. The pilot reported that he saw the powerline wires when the airspeed was approximately 40 knots. The helicopter struck the wires, causing it to roll to the right. Subsequently, the helicopter descended. It touched down in an upright attitude and bounced. After the bounce, the nose of the helicopter spun to the right, and the right skid struck the ground. The helicopter then rolled onto its left side and came to a stop.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor drive system. The extent of damage to other components was not specified.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on operationAltitude — Not attained/maintained
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)