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ROBINSON R44 accident at Pahrump, NV, 16 Oct 2020
On October 16, 2020, a ROBINSON R44 operated by Spring Mountain Raceway LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Pahrump, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotAltitude — Not attained/maintainedEffect on personnelEffect on operation
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Oct 2020 ROBINSON R44 accident near Pahrump, NV?
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Oct 2020 ROBINSON R44 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Oct 2020 involved a ROBINSON R44, operated by Spring Mountain Raceway LLC, at Pahrump, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.
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