Accident Details
On June 12, 2025, at approximately 1850 eastern daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R66, registration N633AF, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Valparaiso, Florida. The helicopter was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 136 air tour flight. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, while a second passenger was not injured.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the accident flight was the fourth air tour flight of the day. After takeoff, while transitioning to flight at about 15 feet above the ground, he heard a “pop.” The helicopter then made a hard right nosedive toward the ground. The pilot applied left cyclic input, but the helicopter did not respond.
Impact and Damage
The helicopter impacted the ground on its right side, shattering the windshield. The main rotor blades fractured into several pieces. The tail rotor and tail boom separated from the helicopter and were found approximately 25 feet behind the main wreckage.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a representative from the helicopter manufacturer examined the wreckage. They discovered that a bolt from the cyclic servo had backed out and fallen off the connecting rod. This bolt was located inside the wreckage. Additionally, other bolts were found to be only hand tight.