Accident Overview
On August 16, 2025, at 1150 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration N24DF, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air tour flight. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during an en route descent toward the destination airport, he felt and heard a loud vibration and immediately began to lose tail rotor authority. During the vibration, the alternator warning annunciator light illuminated, but no reduction of rotor or engine RPM was observed. The pilot decided to perform an autorotation to a nearby field.
Hard Landing and Damage
During the autorotation, the helicopter landed hard, resulting in the main rotor contacting the tail boom. Substantial damage occurred to the main rotor, tail boom, tail rotor drive system, and tail rotor.
Post-Accident Actions
The helicopter was retained for further examination.