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…
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ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 NO SERIES accident at Galveston, TX, 31 Dec 2024
On December 31, 2024, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 NO SERIES operated by Galveston Helicopter Adventures, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Galveston, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence. 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 terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotAltitude — Not attained/maintainedEffect on equipmentDamaged/degraded
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Dec 2024 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 NO SERIES accident near Galveston, TX?
The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 2024 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 NO SERIES accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Dec 2024 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 NO SERIES, operated by Galveston Helicopter Adventures, LLC, at Galveston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during the takeoff from the helipad in high and gusting wind conditions, that resulted in the right skid extension embedding in the artificial turf, and a subsequent dynamic rollover sequence.
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