Paraglider Crash in Puente Alto Injures Pilot and Passenger
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
No fatalities
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident at Charles City, IA, 26 Jul 2023
On July 26, 2023, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II operated by Recon Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Charles City, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb. 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 improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotCapability exceeded
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Jul 2023 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Charles City, IA?
The pilot’s improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jul 2023 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jul 2023 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, operated by Recon Helicopters, at Charles City, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb.
More accident analyses
Cessna 172N strikes power lines during approach at Aucó Aerodrome
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
Bombardier Dash-8 tail strike at Puerto Williams leaves no injuries
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
Chilean glider crashes into perimeter wall during aborted tow launch
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
Chilean paraglider pilot suffers serious injuries after rapid descent into hillside
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
Tecnam P2006T lands with gear up after missed checklist at EPRU
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…