Accident Details
On March 11, 2023, at approximately 1530 central standard time, a Robinson Helicopter R-44, registration N4164T, sustained substantial damage in an accident near De Kalb, Texas. The helicopter was conducting an aerial observation flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for feral hog hunting. The pilot and one passenger were not injured; a second passenger sustained minor injuries, and a third passenger was seriously injured.
Flight and Event Sequence
The pilot reported that after a group of hogs entered a large field, he lowered the collective to maneuver the helicopter closer. Upon lowering the collective, he perceived a loss of engine and rotor speed, and the helicopter began to lose lift. Unable to recover, the pilot attempted a running (skid-on) landing. However, the skids became stuck in the muddy field, causing the helicopter to rock forward. The main rotor blades then struck the ground, leading to the helicopter rolling over.
Warning System and Preflight Checks
The pilot stated that the low rotor speed warning did not activate when rotor speed decayed. He also reported that all required preflight checklists were completed before the flight, with no anomalies noted.
Damage and Postrecovery Examination
The helicopter sustained damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tail boom. The aft portion of the tail boom, with the tail rotor assembly attached, separated from the rest of the airframe and was found adjacent to the fuselage at the accident site. Postrecovery examinations, including an 8-minute engine run, did not reveal evidence of in-flight structural failure, flight control malfunction, or inability of the engine to produce rated power. However, the separated tail boom and tail rotor assembly were not with the wreckage when recovered.
Low Rotor Warning System Findings
The postrecovery examinations were unremarkable except for the low rotor warning system, which was not operational at the time of testing. The warning system failed to activate when the collective control was moved off the low pitch stop and increased to full travel. The warning indicator bulb illuminated and the warning horn sounded when electrical current was applied. The cause of the warning system failure was not determined.