# NTSB CHI06CA143: Robinson R44, N544LB, Stapleton, NE, May 31, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: May 31, 2006, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Stapleton, NE
- Coordinates: 41.433055, -100.483886
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4331&lon=-100.4839&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 29, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Lincoln, NE, FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63862
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA143
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63862/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA143

## Probable cause

The pilot not maintaining clearance fron the tree during landing.  A factor was the tree.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The helicopter sustained substantial damage during landing when its rotor impacted a tree and the helicopter subsequently impacted terrain.  Reported winds were variable at 4 knots.  The pilot stated, "Picked landing site that was not smooth enough for a gentle set down.  Lifted too quickly to reposition.  This maneuver resulted in chopping top out of near pine tree damaging the main rotor at about 20 feet.  The helicopter settled about 30 feet away coming to rest next to a building with more damage to the main, tailcone and skid struts."  The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter in reference to the flight.

## Factual narrative

The helicopter sustained substantial damage during landing when its rotor impacted a tree and the helicopter subsequently impacted terrain.  Reported winds were variable at 4 knots.  The pilot stated, "Picked landing site that was not smooth enough for a gentle set down.  Lifted too quickly to reposition.  This maneuver resulted in chopping top out of near pine tree damaging the main rotor at about 20 feet.  The helicopter settled about 30 feet away coming to rest next to a building with more damage to the main, tailcone and skid struts."  The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter in reference to the flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N544LB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N544LB-2008-07-16), registration cancelled 2008-07-16, S/N 0880, built 2000 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Robinson R44
- Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R44](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r44) (registry code 7640120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540F1 SERIE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540f1-serie) (registry code 41531, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 0880
- Airframe hours: 754.5
- Engines: Lycoming O-540-F1B5 270 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry Bay
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 2006
- Departed: North Platte, NE
- Destination: Stapleton, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2005; seat: right; flight hours: 445 total, 133 in this make and model, 330 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.22 inHg
- Observed at: LBF

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20060531013939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060531013939A), May 31, 2006: Robsin R44, Stapleton, NE, Substantial damage. (-23) Landing on uneven terrain, the pilot added power lifting off the ground and struck a tree with the main rotor. The helicopter then had a hard landing.…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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