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ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident at Mount Blanco, TX, 17 Apr 2026
On April 17, 2026, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II operated by CONCHO AVIATION LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Blanco, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotProp/rotor parameters — Not attained/maintainedPowerplant parameters — Not attained/maintained
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Apr 2026 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II accident near Mount Blanco, TX?
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 2026 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 17 Apr 2026 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, operated by CONCHO AVIATION LLC, at Mount Blanco, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.
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