On 21 Aug 2019, a Robinson R44 Undesignat operated by Peregrine Air LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Cypress Island, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree while maneuvering at a low altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter performing a right orbit about 20 feet above water off an island struck a leaning tree, lost altitude, and came to rest on its side in the water. The main rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Incident Description
According to the pilot's report, the helicopter began a right orbit while off the shore of an island, flying approximately 20 feet above the water. During the maneuver, the helicopter drifted from its intended path and struck a tree that was leaning over the water. Following the impact, the helicopter lost altitude and eventually came to rest on its right side after contacting the water.
Damage
Substantial damage was inflicted upon the helicopter's main rotor blades and fuselage.
Pilot Observations
The pilot reported that no preimpact malfunctions or failures occurred that would have prevented normal operation. Additionally, the pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
Contributing factors
Altitude — Not attained/maintainedPilot
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)