History of Flight
On December 30, 2021, approximately 2025 eastern standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration N442VB, was destroyed in an accident near Bronson, Florida. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal operation.
The pilot held no instrument rating and the helicopter was not certified for instrument flight conditions. The flight departed from a private residence in Bronson just before 2023, destined for the pilot's home in Bell, Florida. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from the Federal Aviation Administration, the helicopter initially flew northwest for about 1.5 miles after departing approximately 2.5 miles south of the accident site. It then turned right and flew northeast for about 1 mile. During the final half-mile, the helicopter's altitude varied from 700 ft mean sea level (msl) down to 350 ft msl, then climbed back to 625 ft msl. The last ADS-B data point showed the helicopter descending again at 550 ft msl.
A witness at the departure residence reported that the pilot was checking weather conditions and expressed a desire to depart soon. The pilot noted that fog and visibility were worsening along his planned route and indicated they needed to take an alternate route home. Another witness, who was walking her dog, reported hearing a helicopter about 2025. She looked for it but could not see it due to darkness and observed no lights. Seconds later, she heard the crash and saw a large fireball illuminate the sky.
Meteorological Information
Williston Municipal Airport (X60), located about 10 miles east-southeast of the accident site, recorded weather at 2035: calm wind, visibility 7 statute miles with mist, scattered clouds at 500 ft above ground level, temperature 21°C, dew point 20°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.08 inches of mercury. The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Tampa Bay issued an Area Forecast Discussion update at 1908, which stated that atmospheric conditions were very favorable for widespread radiational dense fog over land and advection fog over marine zones that evening and overnight, with expanding low clouds and sea fog already observed.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was in a wooded area. The wreckage path extended approximately 225 ft on a magnetic heading of about 360°. The helicopter was heavily fragmented and scattered along the debris path. The right skid was embedded in the ground at a 42° angle. An 8-foot-long section of a main rotor blade was buried about 3 ft deep. The engine came to rest about 225 ft north of the main impact point, while the main rotor gearbox and sections of main rotor blades were located about 175 ft northeast of the main impact point.
The main rotor gearbox was sent to the manufacturer for examination, which revealed impact-related damage and no preimpact anomalies. Examination of the engine showed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the Office of the Medical Examiner, District 8, Gainesville, Florida. The autopsy report was reviewed by the NTSB Investigator-In-Charge. According to the report, the cause of death was injuries sustained in the helicopter crash, and the manner of death was accident.