Accident Overview
On March 24, 2026, at approximately 0930 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration N233JD, was substantially damaged in an accident near Stonewall, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, she conducted a normal preflight inspection of the helicopter and found no anomalies. The purpose of the flight was to flush wildlife into an open pasture for observation. While in a hover at an altitude of about 15 to 30 ft above the tree line, she heard a loud “pop” and felt the helicopter jerk. The helicopter immediately entered an uncontrolled descent into terrain. The pilot reported that the helicopter would not respond to inputs made with the anti-torque pedals.
Witness and Passenger Accounts
The pilot, passenger, and a witness reported hearing a loud “pop” from the helicopter before the sound of the engine went quiet. According to the passenger, the helicopter shook violently after the “pop” was heard and then rotated rapidly in a clockwise direction.
Damage and Examination
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the main rotor system, the tailboom, and the tail rotor system. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.