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ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 accident at Fowlerton, TX, 10 Jan 2023
On January 10, 2023, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 operated by SMITH HELICOPTERS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Fowlerton, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with trees, which resulted in an uncontrollable spin due to tail rotor damage. 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 clearance with trees, which resulted in an uncontrollable spin due to tail rotor damage.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotAltitude — Not attained/maintainedContributed to outcome
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Jan 2023 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 accident near Fowlerton, TX?
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with trees, which resulted in an uncontrollable spin due to tail rotor damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jan 2023 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jan 2023 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44, operated by SMITH HELICOPTERS INC, at Fowlerton, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with trees, which resulted in an uncontrollable spin due to tail rotor damage.
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