Accident Details
On March 9, 2025, at about 2104 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration N44KY, was substantially damaged in an accident in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot was not injured, and the two passengers sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air tour flight.
Sequence of Events
The operator was conducting tours of the Las Vegas Strip from its home base at North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) under a 91.147 letter of authorization from the FAA, which permits passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire. The pilot had performed six tours in the accident helicopter since coming on duty at 1830; the accident flight was his seventh.
After loading the passengers and completing weight and performance calculations, the pilot closed his door and prepared the helicopter for departure. He maneuvered into a hover and pushed the cyclic control forward, causing the helicopter to move forward. As it reached about 25 knots, the pilot's door opened abruptly. The pilot described a strong blast of wind that blew off his hat, headset, and headlamp.
In response, the pilot released the collective control from his left hand and reached across his body to close the door. He stated that this movement resulted in him applying a right cyclic input with his right hand as he reached across. The combination of releasing the collective and the cyclic input caused the helicopter to sink. The right skid then contacted the ground, leading to a dynamic rollover. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter spun around before coming to rest on its right side.
Aftermath and Examination
The pilot shut off the fuel control, released his seatbelt, and assisted the passengers in egressing. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that the fuselage was substantially damaged.