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 Palmer, AK, 30 Jun 2025
On June 30, 2025, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II operated by Elevate Aviation LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain. 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 diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on operationEffect on personnel
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Jun 2025 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Palmer, AK?
The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 2025 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 30 Jun 2025 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, operated by Elevate Aviation LLC, at Palmer, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain.
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…